15 Outdated Boomers Things Gen Z Has Officially Banned
Attention Boomers, Millennials, and anyone still clinging to their voicemail!
The cultural divide has never been more entertaining, and Gen Z is on a mission to retire certain Boomer habits—permanently. From how we communicate to the way we spend money (looking at you, email forwards and department store loyalty cards), the generational gap is wider than ever—and hilariously so.
In this countdown of 15 Boomer-isms that Gen Z has lovingly—or not-so-lovingly—declared obsolete, we’ll take a fun, slightly savage, and undeniably eye-opening journey through the quirks of yesteryear. Think double-spacing after a period, cashing checks at the bank, and leaving voicemails longer than a TED Talk.
So, whether you’re here to defend your old-school ways or just laugh at the absurdity of changing times, buckle up. Gen Z is rewriting the rulebook, one passive-aggressive text at a time.
1. The Double Space After a Period
Back in the typewriter days, double spacing after a period made sentences clearer.
Fast-forward to Gen Z, and this old-school typing rule seems as ancient as dial-up internet. They see those two spaces and instantly think, “Boomer alert!” It’s like finding a fossil in your email. The modern sentence has no time for double spaces; one is enough, thank you!
So, if you’re still rocking those extra spaces, just know you’re revealing your age, one sentence at a time. Don’t worry though; Gen Z is here to help you hit that spacebar just once.
2. Phone Calls for No Reason
Ah, the infamous unexpected phone call. To a Gen Z-er, this feels like an unannounced visit—didn’t they get the memo?
Text first, then call. Only emergencies warrant immediate voice communication – otherwise, texts, memes, or voice notes will do.
To them, a random call means someone’s in peril or grandma’s just learning to text. Spare them the anxiety and shoot a text. Remember, in Gen Z world, phone calls are as rare as a dial-up connection. They want communication on their terms, preferably with emojis. So, unless it’s life or death, maybe think before you dial.
3. Napkins Instead of Paper Towels
Napkins, those flimsy, single-use dining relics, have been relegated to the Boomer archives.
Gen Z opts for the mighty paper towel—versatile, absorbent, and ready for action. Why settle for a small square when you can wield the power of the roll? From kitchen spills to impromptu cleaning sessions, paper towels do it all. Napkin dispensers, be gone!
In the world of multi-tasking, Gen Z has found their trusty sidekick. So, if you’re still hoarding napkins, it’s time to embrace the future. The paper revolution is here, and Gen Z is leading the charge with gusto.
4. Email Signatures with ‘Regards’ or ‘Sincerely’
The days of ‘Regards’ and ‘Sincerely’ are behind us, swept away by Gen Z’s need for brevity.
Emails now end with a simple “Best,” or just a name, if you’re lucky. Sometimes, it’s just “Sent from my iPhone” even if it’s sent from a desktop. For this generation, time is of the essence. They prefer skipping the formalities and getting straight to the point.
After all, who has time for lengthy sign-offs when the next meme awaits? In Zoomerland, less is more, and your signature is no exception. Consider this your email evolution starter pack.
5. The 9-to-5 Grind
The traditional 9-to-5 workday? Gen Z gives it a hard pass. They crave flexibility, remote work, and the freedom to meld personal and professional lives seamlessly.
The rigid routine of clocking in and out feels like a relic from a bygone era. In a world of digital nomads and gig economies, the idea of spending every day in a cubicle feels restrictive. Gen Z wants balance, not burnout.
If a job doesn’t offer flexible work options, they’re likely to swipe left. For them, work should fit into life, not the other way around. Goodbye, grind; hello, vibes!
6. Cable TV
Cable TV, with its endless channels and inevitable ads, finds itself gathering dust in the Gen Z era.
This generation streams its content, curating what they watch, when they watch it. Why pay for channels you never watch? They prefer binge-watching shows in one go, skipping ads, and having everything at their fingertips.
In a world of Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, cable feels like a VHS tape—outdated and unnecessary. So, if you’re still flipping through channels, it might be time to embrace the streaming revolution. Gen Z has spoken, and they’ve cut the cable cord with ease.
7. Ironing Clothes
Ironing clothes? That’s so last century according to Gen Z.
They have traded the sweat and steam of traditional ironing for wrinkle-release sprays, steamers, and even the bold embrace of wrinkles as a fashion statement. If a garment looks too crisp, it’s almost suspicious. Gen Z prefers efficiency and creativity over the painstaking precision of ironing.
In their world, time spent ironing could be better used elsewhere, like creating TikTok videos. So, if you’re still ironing every crease, consider modern alternatives. Gen Z’s style mantra: let those wrinkles be free, and let fashion breathe.
8. Chain Restaurants Like Applebee’s
Chain restaurants with their predictable menus and decor are losing their charm with Gen Z.
They seek unique, Instagrammable dining experiences that tell a story. Food trucks, pop-ups, and locally-sourced eateries deliver the authenticity they crave. In a culinary world that values innovation over endless appetizers, places like Applebee’s feel stagnant.
Gen Z prefers meals that offer more than just sustenance – they seek an experience. If the menu hasn’t evolved since 2003, they’re moving on. It’s a new dining era that values creativity and connection over complacency. Time to spice up the food scene, one bite at a time.
9. Cursive Writing
Cursive writing, once a staple in education, is now an enigmatic script to Gen Z.
Many can’t read it, let alone write it. Schools have abandoned teaching this swirly art form, and signatures have become mere scribbles. Hand them a cursive note, and it might as well be written in hieroglyphics. For Gen Z, typed text is king, and legibility trumps elegance.
If you’re still penning in cursive, you’re speaking a language few understand. The writing’s on the wall: cursive is fading into history. In this digital age, clarity and speed reign supreme, leaving cursive in the past.
10. Fancy China That Never Gets Used
The ornate china set, reserved for special occasions, is a concept lost on Gen Z.
If a dish isn’t microwave-safe and dishwasher-friendly, it’s not welcome at the table. They prioritize practicality and convenience over tradition. Why own something that spends more time gathering dust than serving food?
In a fast-paced world, simplicity rules, and Gen Z’s kitchen reflects their lifestyle. It’s time to repurpose that china cabinet. Everyday plates are for everyday moments, and every meal is a special occasion. Gen Z embraces utility, proving that elegance can coexist with functionality in the dining landscape.
11. Golf as a Personality
Golf, once a revered pastime, is now just another activity in Gen Z’s diverse leisure roster.
While Boomers don polos and spend hours on the green, Gen Z views golf as slow and exclusive. Mini-golf? Now that’s their speed. It’s social, fun, and over in a flash. For this generation, hobbies should be accessible and engaging, not a status symbol.
They’d rather explore a variety of activities than devote time to mastering the perfect swing. So if you’re putting all your personality into golf, consider diversifying. The fairway to Gen Z’s heart is through dynamic and inclusive experiences.
12. Doorbells
The classic doorbell ring is a relic in Gen Z’s communication toolkit.
Why ring when you can text “here” and wait in the car? The unexpected doorbell has become a symbol of unwanted surprises. If it’s not Amazon, it’s unsettling. In this age of instant communication, the doorbell feels as outdated as a rotary phone.
Gen Z prefers seamless interactions without the looming dread of a surprise visit. As society evolves, so do the means of announcing one’s arrival. It’s the silent ping of a text that heralds your presence, leaving the doorbell’s chime in the past.
13. Chain Emails and Facebook Hoaxes
Chain emails and Facebook hoaxes, those dramatic digital missives, are relics of a different era.
Gen Z, with their digital savvy, easily sees through these scams. No one’s hacking your account because you ignored a chain message. And, surprise, Mark Zuckerberg is not reading your DMs. This generation prefers verified information over fear-mongering forwards.
If you’re still forwarding these messages, it’s time to embrace credible sources. Gen Z values truth and transparency, leaving chain emails in the internet’s dusty archives. It’s a new age of communication where facts reign supreme, and hoaxes are called out instantly.
14. The Word ‘Adulting’
While Millennials may have coined “adulting” to describe navigating adulthood, Gen Z finds the term cringe-worthy.
For them, paying bills or scheduling appointments isn’t a quirky trait—it’s life. Posting about the woes of adulting invites eye rolls, not empathy. Gen Z embraces responsibility without the need for a catchy label. If you’re hashtagging adulting, it might be time to reconsider.
In a world striving for authenticity, Gen Z bypasses the theatrics. They’re focused on living life, sans the dramatics. Adulthood isn’t a meme; it’s a reality they engage with candidly, without fanfare or hashtags.
15. Business Cards
The traditional business card, once a networking staple, is becoming obsolete with Gen Z.
Why carry around paper when a digital connection is a tap away? They prefer QR codes or LinkedIn connections, blending technology with convenience. In a world where smartphones are extensions of self, business cards feel bulky and unnecessary.
If you’re still handing out these little rectangles, consider going digital. Gen Z values efficiency and eco-friendliness, and networking is no exception. The future is here, and it’s paperless. Adapt and connect in ways that reflect the times. After all, who needs paper when you have pixels?