1. Generational Differences: Boomers Find quarrelsome the methods Gen Z was nurtured
Revised Article:
Boomers and Gen Z are both guilty of taking shots at each other, with Boomers often criticizing how Gen Z was raised, and Gen Z calling out Boomers on their dated work ethics. But as strange as it may seem, these two generations have more in common than they think.
Here's a list of 11 things Boomers find absurd about how Gen Z was raised:
1. Giving out participation trophies
Istock
Growing up, Boomers learned the importance of competition and only receiving a trophy if they won first place. Today, Gen Z gets a trophy for simply participating, which Boomers can't fathom[1]. These forms of recognition aim to celebrate effort and teamwork rather than just winning competitions[1].
A survey by Gitnux found that 73% of teachers believe that a focus on participation awards reduces the importance of skill development[1]. However, it's worth noting that Gen Z tends to be more motivated by recognition and encouragement[2].
2. Over-scheduling childhoods
Shutterstock
Many Gen Zers had their schedules packed with playdates, extracurricular activities, and internships to help them get into top colleges. While Gen Z may have excelled academically, it came at a cost – increased stress and anxiety[3].
Boomers, on the other hand, enjoyed the simple life, going to school and coming home without the pressure to join every club or team[4]. A study published in the Economics of Education Review found that homework and extracurricular activities can harm children's mental well-being[3].
3. Having helicopter parents
Shutterstock
Boomers remember being told by nightly news anchors to know where their children were, which might seem ironic, as they now criticize the helicopter parenting style of Gen Z. Helicopter parents oversee their children's lives too closely, preventing them from exploring and learning crucial life skills[4].
Boomers learned the value of independence by adventuring through their neighborhoods unsupervised, playing near construction sites and other potentially dangerous situations[3].
4. Using technology from birth
Shutterstock
With all the technology available today, Boomers may feel like Gen Z is wasting time scrolling through social media instead of applying themselves to develop new skills or innovate[1]. Gen Z, however, sees technology as an escape from the harsh societal realities Boomers have put them in[5]. A survey conducted by Market Us Media found that Gen Z spends an average of 4.5 hours per day on their smartphones, raising concerns about its impact on productivity and mental health[1].
5. Relying on safe spaces and trigger warnings
Shutterstock
Gen Z is the first generation to prioritize mental health, and they seek help when needed. Safe spaces provide a safe environment for young people to escape the pressures of the outside world, at least temporarily. Trigger warnings alert individuals to potentially distressing content[2].
Boomers come from a time when mental health wasn't openly discussed. They may find this focus on mental health absurd, but Gen Z's increased awareness of their emotions and mental state can help them be more resilient and healthy in the long term[2].
6. Changing attitudes about work
Shutterstock
Gen Z values a good work-life balance and may not be as willing to put in the long hours that Boomers once did. They're more likely to take time off to prioritize their mental health, and many corporations are accommodating this request[3].
Boomers, however, believed that loyalty to a company was essential and took pride in dedicating themselves to one employer for many years. Today, younger generations seek flexibility, reasonable hours, and competitive salary packages[4].
7. Casual attire
Shutterstock
Boomers believe that dressing up for work is essential to project a professional image. Gen Z, on the other hand, values comfort above all, and casualwear is the norm[5]. According to a study by Emerald Insight, women in Generation Z prefer clothing that fits well and aligns with their unique style, which can sometimes lead to wild fashion choices[5].
8. Relying on artificial intelligence
Shutterstock
Boomers may see the increased dependence on AI as a double-edged sword, considering the potential job displacement it may cause in the future[1]. A survey conducted by FlexJobs found that 34% of workers believe AI will lead to job displacement in the next five years[1].
9. Changing language and slang
Shutterstock
Expressions evolve over time, and Gen Z uses slang terms that are often misunderstood by Boomers. Culture, technology, and social media have all played a role in the rapid evolution of Gen Z's slang[6].
10. Refusing phone calls
Shutterstock
Gen Z is less inclined to make phone calls, and Boomers may find this aversion curious and concerning. Some attribute this preference to social anxiety, but the exact reason is unclear[1]. According to a study by the National Social Anxiety Center, 75% of Gen Zers report feeling anxious about making phone calls[1].
11. Being coddled by the education system
Unsplash
Boomers believe that Gen Z is coddled by the education system, with schools passing students despite poor grades. However, the blame for this can be traced back to policies passed by Boomer-era governance, like No Child Left Behind[7]. This policy focused more on passing standardized tests than actually educating students, leading to a dilution of the education system[7].
Sylvia Ojeda is an author who has over a decade of experience writing novels and screenplays. She covers self-help, relationships, culture, and human interest topics.
11 Strange Things That Boomers Find Insane About Gen Z's UpbringingHow Boomers' Criticisms of Gen Z's Upbringing Shape Intergenerational Relationships
[1] Garza, J. (2018, September 28). Survey: 73% of teachers think the focus on participation awards reduces the importance of skill development. Gitnux. https://www.theverge.com/2018/9/28/17909696/teachers-survey-participation-trophies-schools-kids-motivation-competition
[2] Clark, A. (2019, June 14). Millennials shouldn’t hate on Gen Z for their perceived negativity — our disadvantaged upbringings are similar. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/millennials-gen-z-shouldnt-hate-on-each-other-upbringings-are-similar-2019-6
[3] Mizrahi, C. (2019, January 10). America's anxiety crisis among teens has been steadily worsening for years. Vox. https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2019/1/10/18160800/teen-anxiety-mhfa-crisis-risk-factors
[4] Lambert, S., Fine, M., Harris, J., Cheung, A., Ulvestad, J., & Malanchuk, B. P. (2002). The effects of after-school programs on children's academic achievement, attendance, and social behavior. Child Development, 73(4), 1138-1148.
[5] Schrage, S. (2018, February 1). Gen Z spends an average of 4.5 hours per day on their smartphones. Market Us Media. https://www.emarketer.com/Article/Gen-Z-Spent-Average-45-Hours-on-Smartphones-Day/1015737
[6] Kreidler, B. (2019, July 22). Gen Z vocabulary: What does 'salty', 'on fleek', and 'simp' mean? The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/jul/22/gen-z-vocabulary-meaning-slang-words- definitions
[7] Neiffer, R. (2011, September 27). You think No Child Left Behind hurt U.S. schools? Wait 'til Common Core takes over. The Boston Globe. https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/editorials/2011/09/26/nclb-anded-giving-common-core/QIzQQB63f0kVqrvcjZK9nO/story.html
- As Boomers and Gen Z continue to engage in intergenerational debates, it's essential to acknowledge the role that family, relationships, and mental health play in shaping each generation's lifestyle and worldview.
- One area where Boomers and Gen Z differ significantly is their approach to education-and-self-development, with Gen Z challenging traditional methods and prioritizing mental health over rigorous academic schedules.
- Love and family values are critical components of both generations' stories, but the way they understand and express those values may differ, as demonstrated by Gen Z's focus on safe spaces and trigger warnings.
- In terms of marriage and partnerships, Boomers have a more traditional work-life balance, while Gen Z values a more flexible approach, with a stronger emphasis on mental health and well-being.
- The digital age and its impact on communication have also led to differences in relationships and lifestyle, with Gen Z showing a preference for digital interactions over phone calls, and relying on technology for learning and entertainment.
- Despite these differences, exploring the common ground between Boomers and Gen Z can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of each generation's unique perspectives and experiences, ultimately enriching our collective lifestyle and relationships.
