Younger Generation Behaviors That ‘Baffles’ Older Folks
The generational divide has always been a source of playful tension, with each age group finding something to gripe about in the other. Picture Baby Boomers shaking their heads at Millennials and Gen Z for being glued to their smartphones, calling them “lazy” or “entitled.”
Meanwhile, the younger crowd rolls their eyes at Baby Boomers, blaming them for everything from climate change to the housing crisis. It’s a game of “you kids get off my lawn” versus “okay, Boomer,” where every generation finds a new reason to poke fun at the one before and after them.
Many of today’s popular trends seem completely unfamiliar and even confusing to some people. So someone on Reddit asked, “What’s something you heard the younger generation is doing that absolutely baffles you?”
Younger generation behaviors that “baffles” the older generation
The threddit kicks off with someone saying, “I guess there’s like elementary schoolers with a skincare routine now?? That’s nuts…” Interestingly, this has been a topic often brought up on social media. UCLA Health experts did a report on kids exploring skincare and said that they may be at risk from influencers “hyping incorrect products.” Their experts actually advise a minimalist approach and an “empathetic” discussion with parents.
One person brought up how the “younger” generation uses their phone and never laptops. “I use my phone a fair bit, but it’s really hard to imagine it being my only computer. I need at least 20 inches of screen, a trackball and a keyboard with physical buttons just to think properly,” they said. Someone chimed in on this comment and said, “I saw someone say ‘that it’s a millennial thing to have big purchases be computer purchases’.”
Many people are guilty of this, but someone called out “young people” seeking information by watching TikTok content rather than Googling the answers. I once heard someone say, “TikTok is like Google for children.” While I’m not a child, TikTok happens to be my go-to because it comes with visuals, Sure, there’s YouTube but TikTok videos don’t disrupt an explanation for something with an ad and they’re typically explanations under 60 seconds.
A person from Gen X brought up eyelash extensions and acrylic nails. They said, “Gen X here. I don’t understand the eyelash thing where they’re so long and fluffy that you look like Snuffleupagus. I also don’t understand the nails that are so long you can’t function. Like, how do you wipe?”
Of course, the Reddit thread didn’t specify what’s considered “old” or “young” but Parents magazine breaks it down. According to the outlet, the Baby Boomer Generation was born between 1946 and 1964. Generation X spans from 1965 to 1980. The Millennial Generation, also known as Generation Y, was born between 1981 and 1996. Generation Z, or iGen, includes those born from 1997 to 2010. Lastly, Generation Alpha includes those born from 2010 to 2024.
Take a look at what else people are bringing up here.
