It’s not just boomers who seem to have issues with the social attitudes of Gen Z; Gen X is also having their say on the matter. They believe there are certain things that will die out thanks to Gen Z. Here are 18 things Gen X says Gen Z is slowly killing.
The 9–5 Grind
Gen Z prefers the idea of a healthy work-life balance. For example, the BBC writes, “With both salary and work-life balance front and centre, Gen Zers also come with another stand-out characteristic: they are the cohort most likely to quit if they’re unsatisfied at work.” Gen X, however, will work a 9–5 job without complaining.
Social Media Use
Gen X has always seen social media as more of a novelty that they might use every now and then. As Gen Z incorporates it into their everyday lives, they think that this generation may slowly kill it for everyone. It’ll cause more and more platforms to pop up, making it increasingly difficult to keep up with new trends.
Traditional Job Loyalty
If Gen Z isn’t happy in the workplace, then they’re likely to quit and find a job that meets their needs. They’re also more likely to take up freelance work, which gives them far more flexibility. Gen X has different views and would rather stick with their workplace, as they believe in job loyalty.
Shopping Habits
Thanks to the increase in online shopping, more and more stores are closing. Gen Z prefers shopping online because there are plenty more options and it’s far easier than heading to a store. However, it’s also seen the closure of many brands that Gen X enjoyed shopping at.
Financial Norms
Gen Z is hesitant when it comes to taking out loans or credit cards, as they’ve seen the effects they have on previous generations; however, Gen X believes they still lack financial literacy. This is because Gen Z prefers spending their money on experiences rather than investing it for the future.
Traditional Media
Ways of consuming media have drastically changed in recent years. For example, The Current says, “Gen Z viewers say they spend an average of 1 hour and 51 minutes streaming versus 38 minutes watching live television daily.” These methods of consumption are different from the more traditional methods that Gen X prefers.
Political Engagement
It can be confusing to Gen X that Gen Z may not contribute to voting but will be active in any political protests. They can use social media to express their views and hold people accountable for their actions. Gen X still prefers the traditional method of voting for new leaders.
Education
There are far more options for a person when it comes to education, compared to a few years ago. Now, a person has the option to complete online courses as well as more traditional methods. Gen X thinks this takes away a person’s ability to learn practical skills and doesn’t set them up for the right working environment.
Traditional Banking
Online banking is starting to become the norm as younger generations prefer the option of sorting their finances through their phones rather than heading to a branch. However, Gen X still prefers traditional banking methods, and with many branches closing in favor of online options, it means they might not be able to for much longer.
Communication Styles
Gen Z prefers to communicate digitally. They’d much rather use emails or direct messages when it comes to communicating with someone, whether that’s professionally or personally. Gen X still prefers in-person communication but believes Gen Z is slowly changing how people communicate.
Traditional Marriage
Many people from the Gen Z generation are wanting to delay marriage for their career goals. They see marriage as more of a personal goal than a societal expectation. Gen X still believes in traditional marriage and most believe it’s more important to settle down and pursue careers.
Car Ownership
The UK Driving Instructors Association states that Gen Z is more likely to abandon driving due to concerns about health and the impact it can have on the environment. Driving can be dangerous, and with crashes being a common occurrence, Gen Z prefers public transportation. However, Gen X would rather opt for private modes of transportation.
Housing Preferences
Gen Z much prefers to rent a property over owning one. It gives them more freedom and means they don’t have to settle down. Gen X believes this may kill the housing market and struggles to understand why a person wouldn’t want the stability that comes with owning a house.
Fast Fashion
Gen Z cares about the environment and is less likely to purchase fast fashion options. Gen X, on the other hand, enjoys having inexpensive options when it comes to updating their wardrobe. Gen Z will also ask brands for transparency when it comes to their ethical standards, and many Gen Xers believe this is a step too far.
Food Consumption
Food consumption has significantly changed over the past few decades. In modern times, Gen Z prefers to shop organically and opt for plant-based foods. Not only are these options healthier, but they’re also better for the environment. Gen X prefers to shop for their favorite brands and doesn’t mind so much where their food comes from.
Travel
Gen Z is slowly changing travel, with more young people favoring affordable options over luxury vacations. There’s also an increasing number of digital nomads, thanks to younger generations opting for remote working. This is all new to Gen X, who still prefers traditional travel methods. They think Gen Z may be killing off things such as all-inclusive resorts.
Traditional Sports Viewing
Gen X still prefers to watch sports on TV and in the moment. They believe Gen Z may be killing this traditional method, as the younger generation prefers to view sports through social media platforms after the game has finished. Gen X fears channels may stop showing sports if games aren’t getting the viewers they need.
Cash Transactions
Currency Transfer writes, “Due to the rapid digitalization of the economy, an increase in e-commerce, and the expanding availability of financial products, a lot of people speculate that a cashless society is on the horizon.” Gen Z is much more likely to use card payments instead of cash, but it isn’t something that Gen X wants to see the end of.
Up Next: 18 Cities in the US That Are So Bad You Won’t Want to Visit
While there are many beautiful cities in the U.S. that are well worth a visit, there are also some that you may want to avoid. This is largely due to high crime rates or issues with quality of life. Here are 18 U.S. cities that you won’t want to visit.
18 Cities in the US That Are So Bad You Won’t Want to Visit
19 American Cities That Disappoint Visitors So Much They Wish They Never Went
The United States is a vast country with over 109,000 cities and towns and many popular tourist hotspots, promising visitors fascinating history, famous landmarks, natural wonders, impressive architecture, and cultural delights. But not every city lives up to the hype! Here, we explore 19 American destinations that often leave visitors underwhelmed.
19 American Cities That Disappoint Visitors So Much They Wish They Never Went
19 Signs That Say You’ve Officially Entered Old Age
Old age comes for us all, though we do our best to resist it for as long as possible. But aging isn’t only gray hair, wrinkled skin, and yelling at kids to get off your lawn. Here are 19 signs you’ve realized you’re no longer the young stud you once were!