Millennials and boomers are two generations that often see the world through very different lenses. Plenty of millennial quirks tend to raise boomers’ eyebrows: here are 19 millennial habits that leave boomers scratching their heads.
Overuse of Social Media
Millennials love sharing every moment on social media. From breakfast snaps to gym selfies, nothing seems too mundane. Boomers, on the other hand, often wonder why anyone would broadcast their daily life to the world. To them, privacy is still a valued commodity.
Love for Reviews
Before purchasing anything, millennials read dozens of reviews. According to HelpfulCrowd, “eight out of 10 millennial shoppers never buy anything without first reading a review.” Boomers trust their gut and personal recommendations. To them, the obsession with reviews is overkill. They believe you can’t fully trust anonymous opinions on the internet.
Avocado Toast Obsession
Nothing screams “millennial” like a perfectly smashed avocado on toast. While boomers grew up on hearty breakfasts like bacon and eggs, they wonder what all the fuss is about. Besides, they might argue that it’s an expensive way to start the day.
Texting Over Calling
For millennials, texting is the go-to mode of communication—quick and to the point. For boomers, if it’s important, you call. This texting preference can be seen as impersonal and lazy by those who prefer hearing a human voice.
Living with Parents
Many millennials live with their parents longer, thanks to skyrocketing costs of living and student debt. “In the months after the pandemic hit in 2020, nearly 50% of young adults—those aged 18 to 29—lived at home with their parents in the greatest numbers on record since the Great Depression,” says Fortune. Boomers, who were often out of the house at 18, find this perplexing. They associate adulthood with independence and see this trend as a step backward.
Side Hustle Culture
Millennials are the kings and queens of side hustles. Uber driver by day, Etsy shop owner by night. Boomers, who often worked a traditional 9-to-5 job, wonder why one job isn’t enough. They value stability over juggling multiple income streams.
Casual Dress Code
Millenials love their casual wear—think hoodies and jeans, Insight to Action says, even at work. Boomers, who grew up with strict dress codes, see this as disrespectful or unprofessional. To them, dressing up is a sign of respect for the workplace and those around you.
Digital Payments
Venmo, Cash App, and Apple Pay have made digital payments second nature for millennials. Boomers, who still trust cash and checks, find this baffling. The idea of paying someone with your phone just doesn’t compute for those who grew up balancing checkbooks.
Sharing Economy
Millennials are all about sharing—homes (Airbnb), cars (Uber), and even workspaces (WeWork). Boomers find this odd. Why share when you can own? They see this as a sign of instability and a lack of long-term planning.
Overuse of Emojis
Whether it’s a thumbs-up or a crying-laughing face, millennials add these little icons everywhere. Boomers often see this as childish or confusing. To them, words are enough to convey a message without all the added flair.
Minimalism
Millennials often embrace minimalism, favoring experiences over material possessions. Boomers, who grew up in a more consumer-driven era, find this puzzling. How can you not want to own a home filled with nice things? They equate possessions with success.
Online Shopping
Why go to a store when you can shop online? Millennials love the convenience of e-commerce. Boomers, however, enjoy the physical shopping experience—trying items on, feeling the fabric. They struggle to see the appeal of buying something sight unseen.
Sustainability Focus
Millennials are all about eco-friendly products and sustainable living. Boomers, who didn’t grow up with such an emphasis on environmental issues, can find this over-the-top. They appreciate the sentiment but often see it as impractical or inconvenient.
DIY Everything
From home repairs to beauty treatments, millennials love doing things themselves. Boomers often prefer hiring professionals for tasks they’re not trained in. They see this DIY culture as risky and time-consuming, even if it saves money.
Instant Gratification
Thanks to technology, millennials expect everything instantly—fast shipping, quick replies, immediate results. Boomers, who grew up in a time where patience was a virtue, find this impatience frustrating. Good things, after all, take time.
Avoiding Phone Calls
Millennials often avoid phone calls, preferring emails or texts. Boomers, who see phone calls as direct and efficient, find this irritating. To them, if something’s important, you pick up the phone and talk it out.
Streaming Over Cable
Why pay for cable when you can stream? Millennials love their Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Boomers, who grew up with cable TV as a staple of home life, find this shift hard to understand. They miss the simplicity of channel surfing.
Fitness Trends
Millennials are all about trendy fitness—yoga, CrossFit, and cycling classes. Boomers often stick to traditional forms of exercise like jogging or going to the gym. They see these new fitness trends as fads rather than sustainable routines.
Travel Prioritization
For millennials, travel is a top priority. They’re more likely to spend their money on experiences rather than saving for a rainy day. Boomers, who often prioritize financial security and homeownership, find this approach risky and short-sighted.
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