So much has changed in the world over the past few decades that it’s caused a huge divide between boomers and Gen Z. With such diverse generations, it’s caused plenty of misunderstandings. Here are 17 aspects of growing up as a boomer that Gen Z will never understand.
Tech Evolution
Psychology Today writes, “This generation values relationships, as they did not grow up with technology running their lives. Baby Boomers grew up making phone calls and writing letters, solidifying strong interpersonal skills.” This shows boomers had to adapt to technology, while it’s all Gen Z has ever known.
Work Ethic and Job Loyalty
Boomers often stayed with one job for many years; sometimes it was the only one they ever had. They preferred loyalty and stability over numerous jobs. Gen Z may find boomers’ approach hard to understand, as they’ve been brought up with rapid changes, especially in technology. These changes mean they prefer job hopping.
Social and Political Activism
Boomers experienced so many civil rights movements during their early days. There were movements centered around equality and also protests for the Vietnam War. This is completely different from today, where Gen Z prefers to become involved in activism digitally, such as by signing online petitions or sharing things on their feeds.
Environmental Awareness
Boomers lived through the initial stages of environmental awareness. Both generations have shown that they’re willing to make adaptations to their lifestyles to help the environment. However, Gen Z may not understand why boomers aren’t so vocal about it when they really don’t see that they need to be as long as they’re active in making change.
Educational Expectations
Gen Z may find it hard to understand why so many boomers went to college. However, education was far less expensive than it is today. This is supported by Consumer Affairs, which writes, “The price for one year of tuition at a public four-year college has gone up 310%, from $2,768 on average in the 1970s to $11,360 in 2021.”
Parenting Styles
Boomers often grew up in a more traditional family environment; however, this could also have caused it to feel more nuclear. Gen Z may find it difficult to understand this, as they’ve grown up in more diverse households with different parenting approaches. It’s shown a significant shift in family values.
Economic Opportunities and Challenges
Boomers had more economic opportunities as they grew up in a post-war economy and job market. Gen Z can often struggle to understand how easy boomers had it, as there’s so much uncertainty with the economy at the moment. It’s shown a huge difference in financial stability, home ownership, and career prospects.
Socializing and Entertainment
Mercy Care writes, “Social networks and online interactions may give people a false sense of connectedness. We still need physical in-person connections for our own mental health.” Boomers recognize the importance of socializing in person, whereas Gen Z relies heavily on technology to interact with people.
Health and Wellness
Gen Z is more focused on mental health and may find it difficult to understand why boomers prioritize physical health. The evolution of health awareness has meant a deeper understanding of mental health issues. Boomers were not brought up with this same awareness, which is why they prefer to put physical health first.
Fashion and Consumerism
Gen Z may find it difficult to understand boomer fashion trends. This was because trends were focused more on cultural and political movements and were much slower-paced. Gen Z fashion trends are centered around both fast fashion and sustainability and are constantly changing due to social media.
Media Consumption
Twipe Digital Publishing writes, “Older generations still prefer more traditional news media like TV and print publication.” Boomers rely on newspapers and TV for their daily news, whereas Gen Z relies on digital outlets such as social media. It shows how each generation perceives their news, with Gen Z having access to more news sources than the boomer generation.
Government Trust
Boomers grew up in a time when they felt like they could trust the government. Gen Z finds this difficult to understand because they have more of a skeptical approach, demanding transparency and accountability. It shows changing attitudes toward authority and governance, with Gen Z having far less trust.
Views on Race
Boomers grew up during segregation and the Civil Rights Movement. Gen Z is still more likely to advocate for racial equality and inclusivity, which they can find hard to understand as boomers were alive during these movements. As Gen Z has more access to digital technologies, they have access to first-hand views on topics such as racism.
Perspectives on Gender and Sexuality
Boomers’ views have always been more conservative when it comes to gender roles and sexuality. Gen Z finds it hard to understand why boomers can’t be more open to the acceptance of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. It shows how societal norms have evolved over time.
Communication Styles
Powell Software writes, “Baby Boomers prioritize personal connections and formal communication. They appreciate phone calls, meetings, and memos.” Gen Z prefers digital methods of communication, such as texting. They find it hard to understand why boomers prefer face-to-face methods instead of seeing it as an inconvenience.
Attitudes Toward Knowledge
Boomers prefer a classroom setting to learn. This is backed up by Learn Sure, which writes, “Baby boomers learn best in a traditional classroom setting with a teacher-led curriculum.” Gen Z prefers to gain knowledge through DIY methods, such as online courses. It shows how the landscape of knowledge is constantly changing.
Global Perspective and Connectivity
Boomers grew up in a more localized and less connected world. Gen Z has a more global outlook and, thanks to technology, is much more connected with what’s happening internationally. This has had an impact on how they view the world, empathy, and cultural awareness.
READ MORE
Different generations enjoy different things, but have you ever seen something an old person loves and thought to yourself, why? A recent internet survey asked, “What is something that old people love that you don’t understand?” Here are the top 20 answers.
20 THINGS OLD PEOPLE LOVE THAT THE REST OF US DON’T UNDERSTAND
20 THINGS WE DID WHEN WE WERE YOUNG THAT WE REGRET NOW
It’s easy to say hindsight is 20/20, but what advice would you really give your younger self? Here are 20 things that most people did when they were young that they regret today.
20 THINGS WE DID WHEN WE WERE YOUNG THAT WE REGRET NOW
THINK 60’S OLD? THESE 17 AWESOME FACTS WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND
When it comes to aging, there’s no need to fear the big 6-0! In fact, it’s a cause for celebration! In this post I highlight the 17 things that make being 60 absolutely amazing — from newfound wisdom to retirement adventures. Let’s embrace our 60s together!
THINK 60’S OLD? THESE 17 AWESOME FACTS WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND
23 THINGS PEOPLE THINK YOU STOP DOING IN YOUR 50S BUT YOU DON’T
As we enter midlife, there’s a common misconception that we have to “settle down” and “act our age.” However, we’re here to debunk this myth! So, check out this post as we list 23 things that people think you stop doing in your 50s but you don’t have to!
23 THINGS PEOPLE THINK YOU STOP DOING IN YOUR 50S BUT YOU DON’T
22 THINGS THAT SCREAM ‘I’M EX-MILITARY”
Military training often engrains some odd habits that stay with members for life. An internet survey recently asked, “What screams “I’m ex-military?” Here are the top 22 responses.