Every generation comes with new positive qualities, challenges, and ideas. So whether we like it or not, Gen Z has plenty of new thoughts on what we should and shouldn’t be doing. This list reveals 17 things many Gen Zers say we can’t do anymore.
Using Gendered Pronouns
Gen Z is all about inclusivity and respect for all gender identities and sexual orientations. In alignment with these values, they are promoting the use of gender-neutral language, such as the pronouns “they/them,” to address non-binary people and those whose gender is as-yet unknown.
Posting on Facebook
According to Forbes, Facebook continues to be the most popular social media platform in 2024, with 2.9 million monthly active users. However, Gen Z is not on board with this trend. Many younger people criticize Facebook for being outdated, boring, and intrusive, causing them to use other platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.
Wearing Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans were all the rage not so long ago. However, while they are making somewhat of a comeback in some parts, many members of Gen Z are opting for baggy, loose-fitting styles over restrictive denim. This reflects society’s ever-changing taste in fashion and aesthetics.
Making Phone Calls
Who you gonna call? Not Gen Z, apparently. Many younger people find unexpected phone calls intrusive, inconvenient, and outdated. Instead, they typically prefer scheduled calls, emails, texting, and messaging. While older generations may feel frustrated by this preference, it may be a mentally healthier way of doing things, especially for introverts.
Watching Cable TV
Cable TV is slowly but surely being overtaken by streaming services such as YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu. Many Gen Zers find these options to be less expensive, more accessible, and more personalized to their individual tastes. With so many online options to choose from, we can’t exactly blame them.
Believing in Traditional Gender Roles
Gen Z is known for challenging traditional gender roles and norms, believing that many of these gendered traditions are outdated and harmful. Many younger individuals advocate for gender equality and reject expectations and stereotypes based on one’s gender.
Using Cash
Gen Z is arguably the most tech-savvy generation to date, so it’s no surprise that many Gen Zers prefer digital payment options over cash. According to research by the UHFCU, Apple Pay, Cash App, and PayPal are some of the most popular payment methods among younger Americans.
Participating in Organized Religion
While many members of Gen Z see themselves as spiritual or religious, they are increasingly opting out of organized religion in favor of a more personalized experience. This is largely because a lot of young people see organized religion as outdated, exclusionary, and closed-minded.
Buying Diamonds
Many Gen Zers see diamonds as unnecessarily expensive and lacking in real value. Instead, they typically prefer to invest in experiences and sustainable products that they see as adding tangible value to their lives. This is reflective of an overarching trend away from highly expensive luxury products.
Following a Linear Career Path
While older generations are known for their strong, stable work ethic through a fairly linear career path, Gen Z seems to value flexibility and variety in their career options. Many young people are opting for freelancing, side hustles, and work-from-home options, seeing these opportunities as less restrictive.
Accepting Hierarchy in the Workplace
When it comes to workplace environments, many Gen Zers are tired of the traditional, hierarchical organizational structures. Instead, they typically prefer collaborative work where everyone is recognized and rewarded for their individual skill sets. Many young people see hierarchical structures as rigid, outdated, and unfair to workers.
Keeping a Traditional 9-to-5 Schedule
Staying on the subject of work, Gen Z tends to prefer career options centered on flexibility and autonomy. One study found that 60% of Gen Zers describe typical 9-to-5 jobs as “soul-sucking.” This is why many young people are rejecting the traditional 9-to-5 schedule in favor of remote work options that offer more flexibility and a greater sense of work-life balance.
Buying Brand-Name Products
While some Gen Zers still enjoy brand-name products, a lot of them are starting to see these options as overpriced and lacking a sense of individuality. That’s why we are seeing more of a trend toward indie brands, sustainable products, and thrift shopping, providing a greater sense of authenticity and uniqueness.
Using Email
A lot of young people still use email for work, but if you ask them how they’d most like to communicate, they’ll probably tell you it’s through instant messaging and social media. They typically view these options as more convenient, casual, and immediate, while emails are viewed as slow and unnecessarily formal.
Voting for Establishment Candidates
Generally speaking, Gen Z is politically progressive and tends to prefer candidates who appear authentic and invested in issues such as social justice and environmental advocacy. On the other hand, they typically see establishment candidates as overly biased, out of touch, and potentially corrupt.
Staying in One Place
A lot of Gen Zers value adventure, exploration, and mobility much more highly than stability. Many of them see staying in one place for long periods as limiting and boring, causing them to constantly seek out new experiences and opportunities.
Accepting Traditional Marriage Norms
Unlike some generations of the past, Gen Z is largely supportive of diverse and inclusive definitions of marriage. As noted by the Pew Research Center, they are more likely to have a positive opinion of same-sex marriage and interracial marriage than other generations. This reflects their progressive values of inclusivity and equality.
Read More: 17 Things Society Can No Longer Do Because Gen Z Said So
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17 Things Society Can No Longer Do Because Gen Z Said So
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