13 Habits of Young People That Drive Older Generations Crazy
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Every generation has habits and behaviors that can drive older folks up the wall. Whether it’s their communication style, work habits, or how they spend their free time, young people today have certain ways of doing things that can be tough for older generations to understand. Here are 13 habits of young people that might leave their grandparents, or even their parents, scratching their heads in confusion.
Texting at the Dinner Table
There’s nothing quite like sitting down for a nice family meal, only to look around and see everyone staring at their phones. For older generations, mealtime is sacred – it’s a time to put away distractions and connect with the people around you. But for many young people, the idea of going even a few minutes without checking their messages or social media feeds is unthinkable.
Using Slang and Abbreviations
Older generations often pride themselves on their command of the English language, so hearing young people use words like “yeet,” “sus,” and “salty” can be confusing and even irritating. And don’t even get them started on text speak – seeing “u” instead of “you” or “rn” instead of “right now” is enough to make their eyes twitch.
Oversharing on Social Media
For many young people, social media is a way to document every moment of their lives, from the mundane to the deeply personal. But for older generations, the idea of sharing so much information online is baffling and even a little scary. They worry about privacy, safety, and the long-term consequences of having so much personal data out there for anyone to see.
Job-Hopping
Gone are the days when people stayed at the same company for their entire careers. Today’s young people are more likely to switch jobs every few years in search of new challenges, better pay, or a better work-life balance. But for older generations who value loyalty and stability, this constant job-hopping can seem flighty and irresponsible.
Lack of Phone Etiquette
When older generations were growing up, there were certain rules around phone etiquette – you answered the phone with a polite greeting, you didn’t interrupt the other person, and you certainly didn’t put them on hold to take another call. But for many young people today, phone calls are a rarity, and when they do happen, they’re often treated as an interruption rather than a priority.
Ghosting
The idea of simply disappearing from someone’s life without any explanation is foreign to older generations. In their day, if you didn’t want to see someone anymore, you had to have an awkward conversation or at least leave a note. But for many young people, ghosting has become a common way to end relationships or avoid uncomfortable situations.
Lack of Spatial Awareness
Have you ever been walking down the street, only to nearly collide with a young person who was too busy staring at their phone to watch where they were going? For older generations, this lack of spatial awareness is not only annoying but downright dangerous. They worry about the safety of distracted pedestrians and the erosion of basic social graces.
“Flexing”
The idea of showing off your wealth, status, or accomplishments online is something that many older generations find distasteful and even a little sad. They believe that true success and happiness come from within, not from external validation or material possessions. But for many young people, “flexing” on social media is a way to boost their self-esteem and show the world what they’re made of.
Lack of Patience
In a world of instant gratification and same-day delivery, many young people have lost the ability to wait for things. They expect everything to happen quickly and easily, and when it doesn’t, they can become frustrated or even angry. But for older generations who grew up in a slower-paced world, patience is still a virtue.
Cancel Culture
The idea of “canceling” someone – essentially, publicly shaming them and boycotting their work – is something that many older generations find troubling. They worry about the erosion of free speech and the dangers of mob mentality. But for many young people, cancel culture is a way to hold people accountable for their actions and create a more just and equitable society.
Lack of Resilience
Older generations often pride themselves on their grit and resilience – their ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep going even when things get tough. But they worry that today’s young people are too quick to give up when faced with challenges or adversity. They fear that a culture of “participation trophies” and “safe spaces” has created a generation of young people who don’t know how to handle failure or discomfort.
Obsession with Self-Care
For older generations, the idea of taking time for yourself was often seen as selfish or indulgent. They were taught to put others first and to power through even when they were feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. But for many young people today, self-care is a non-negotiable part of their lives. They recognize the importance of taking care of their physical, mental, and emotional health, even if it means saying no to other obligations.
Eschewing Traditional Milestones
For many older generations, there was a clear path to adulthood – you finished school, got a job, got married, bought a house, and had kids, usually in that order. But today’s young people are more likely to delay or even forego these traditional milestones in favor of pursuing their passions, traveling the world, or simply enjoying their freedom. While older generations may worry about the long-term consequences of these choices, many young people see them as a way to live life on their own terms.
15 Annoying Trends Everyone Secretly Hates
15 Annoying Trends Everyone Secretly Hates
