They say one generation will always complain about the younger one. When I was a teenager, I never thought I’d be one of those people complaining about the younger generation…until I saw bucket hats coming back into style. I can’t stand the look of them. Now I know I’ve crossed the threshold into old when the 90’s style of my youth is cool again, and I’m out of the loop.
Everyone from Millennials to Gen Alpha pokes fun at older folks with their patented “Ok boomer” refrain. Even though Generation Z (a.k.a. Zoomers) consists of younger people born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, they might have more in common with boomers born between 1946 and 1964 than they realize.
Boomers tend to have a long list of complaints about how things work today, and honestly, some of their grievances make sense. What’s funny is that some younger folks have the same issues!
It might be because we’re all a little nostalgic for simpler times when tech wasn’t in every corner of our lives. We love to joke about how “back in the day” things were just… better. Despite growing up in this digital age, even Zoomers have their share of frustrations with how modern life works. It turns out that what Gen Z is griping about today sounds like it came from a boomer!
Modern Cars
It’s true modern cars need less maintenance and last way longer. Thirty years ago, reaching 200K miles was unthinkable, but now it’s possible. Still, you can’t blame boomers for complaining about newer cars.
Boomers want simple cars that can be fixed with a few junk parts. They’re not fans of touchscreens, digital gauges, or keyfobs. Most older folks prefer real knobs and buttons, not a tech-heavy dashboard. Surprisingly, some Gen Z car lovers agree. When their touch screens freeze or the dashboard computer is glitchy, they wish they had climate control and radio dials without dealing with a screen!
QR Code Menus
QR code menus really took over the restaurant world during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic due to concerns over menu cleanliness. Naturally, digital menus are cheaper and easier for restaurants, so most of them stayed after the world returned to normal post-pandemic.
Both baby boomers and Gen Z agree they want the old-school, physical menus we’ve had for ages. It’s understandable. It’s so much easier to see all your food options in front of you on a menu without having to press different buttons or scroll endlessly.
Teens Being Loud in Public Spaces
As a millennial, I assume Gen Zers are the loud ones in public spaces, but I forget that this demographic is in their 20s now. It turns out that Zoomers are just as annoyed as Boomers when Gen Alpha teens blast music on their phones for the whole bus to endure.
Then there are the teenagers at a cafe who think they’re in their own world while they talk loudly and cackle together. Even if you’re not a boomer, being around a bunch of noisy kids can be irritating!
They Don’t Make Things Like They Used To
Have you ever heard your parents or grandparents say, “They don’t make things like they used to”? Even some younger generations think products from decades ago are more durable than their modern counterparts.
It’s not surprising because once in a while, you get to hear people bragging about their hand-me-down washers or ovens from the ’90s, still running with just a few minor repairs. Or maybe a fridge or oven from the ’70s that’s practically a family heirloom, outliving everyone!
Virtually Unrestricted Access to the Internet
Plenty of Zoomers would agree this is a classic boomer complaint. You always hear them say how young people today can’t just sit still, relax, and enjoy the moment—it’s always nonstop! Of course, they blame smartphones and constant internet access.
Although Gen Zers grew up with technology, many of them don’t feel chained to their phones. If you grew up spending time outdoors, doing physical activities, and talking face-to-face, you’d also think people miss out on real-life experiences with their eyes glued to their devices.
People Are Too Sensitive Nowadays
Gen Z has grown up surrounded by sociopolitical issues everywhere. They thrive in a more diverse and inclusive society where talking about mental health, social justice, and personal experiences is encouraged.
In contrast, Boomers were raised in a more reserved culture. That’s why they often grumble about people being too sensitive today. Interestingly, some younger folks also believe in becoming more resilient for their own sake. It’s great that we’re standing up to prejudice, but there’s still room for some leeway and humor!
Banning TikTok
Boomers really worry about TikTok. They often say the younger generation is “too busy” to hang out with friends but always finds time for five hours on the app.
Surprisingly, many twentysomethings feel the same way! In fact, a study found that 62% of 18- to 24-year-olds support banning TikTok. Some even argue that it makes this generation both the least informed and yet the most confident in their opinions.
Asking For Your Social Media Profile
You know you’re starting to sound like the older generation when you complain about how everyone asks for your social media profile. Even some Gen Z people who usually don’t use these platforms get annoyed by it.
The truth is some people prefer texting to messaging on social media. Sometimes, it’s just nicer to keep things personal and offline.
Background Music in Restaurants and Stores
Yep, it’s not just boomers who are fed up. Even Gen Z gets annoyed with the super loud background music in restaurants and stores. You can probably relate if you’ve been to Chipotle trying to eat a burrito in peace while club music blares.
Sure, I get it’s a tactic to get people to eat and leave faster, but come on! Can’t we just enjoy our meals without shouting over the music? It’d be nice to actually hear your friends instead of battling the soundtrack!
Video Games
Another Gen Z complaint is that video games have changed way too much. You need to buy consoles, games, subscriptions, and all those extra downloads. It’s just a headache!
Boomers and Gen Z can both agree—it was way easier back in the day. You’d buy a game cartridge, pop it in, and start playing. Now it feels like a whole production! It’s also super frustrating to buy a game only to find it’s full of bugs. And don’t even get me started on needing everyone online just to play together!
Source: Reddit
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