“No Replies”: 52 Things Gen Z Does That Older People Do Not Understand

While some researchers might disagree about the specifics, broadly speaking, Generation Z, aka Gen Z, refers to people born between 1997 and 2012. As Investopedia points out, this is the first truly digital native generation. Members of Gen Z, or Zoomers, as they are sometimes informally called, have been shaped by technology, social media, and massive world events like the Great Recession and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The generation immediately preceding Gen Z is Gen Y, Millennials, born from 1981 to 1996. Ironically, older generations often complain about young people by venting about Millennials, when they, in fact, mean either Zoomers or members of Generation Alpha, kids born between 2013 and 2025. (That’s not to say that Millennials are faultless (hi, how are you?), but we ought to be called out for different issues.)

Members of Gen Z tend to be digitally fluent, and they can’t really remember a time before the internet, cell phones, or social media.

They are diverse, inclusive, socially conscious, entrepreneurial, and pragmatic. What’s more, they tend to be adaptable, aware of mental health challenges, and prioritize both authenticity and individuality.

Furthermore, Zoomers are big on travel and novel experiences. “Studies show that Gen Zers are putting a lot of emphasis on interesting life experiences, such as travel. They focus on adventure and mental health, and they're eager to explore different cultures,” Linda Eaton, executive vice president at Cannon Financial Institute, told Investopedia.

That being said, things aren’t looking that rosy on the financial front. “It’s not surprising that so many are prioritizing trips, even if it means going into debt. A significant number of Gen Z travelers are using loans or credit cards to fund their journeys,” Eaton stressed.

Money worries extend to bills, not just travel-related debt.

28% of members of Gen Z are not able to pay all of their necessary expenses every month. And 32% said that they don’t feel as financially secure as their parents were at the same age.

Part of the issue is that many Zoomers do not have steady salaries and rely on entry-level jobs, gig work, and freelance work.

While Gen Z struggles with credit and debt management, around half of the generation has some form of investment, including stocks and cryptocurrencies. And yet, just 46% of Zoomers feel confident about their financial knowledge.

These days, there are so many sources of information available online, including in the news, on social media, on YouTube, in podcasts, etc., that it is difficult to know what to look for. In other words, there is too much noise on the internet.

What generation are you? What attitudes toward work, money, relationships, and life in general do you think set your generation apart from everyone else? What is your attitude toward Gen Z, as well as the older and younger generations?

Share your thoughts about everything, including the biggest pros and cons you think Gen Z has, in the comments.