Every generation seems to be at loggerheads at times, but the gap between Gen Z and boomers feels wider than ever.
They see the world through completely different lenses, shaped by different economies, social norms, and technologies. While some generational disagreements are normal and to be expected, these two groups often feel like they’re speaking entirely different languages. It’s not just the age gap between them — it often comes down to deeply ingrained beliefs and values that make understanding each other really hard. Here are just some of the reasons Gen Z and boomers will probably never fully be on the same page.
1. Their views on work couldn’t be more different.
Boomers built their lives around the idea that hard work equals success. They were taught that putting in long hours, staying loyal to one company, and slowly climbing the ladder was the best way to build a stable future. Many dedicated decades to their careers, believing that sacrifice and perseverance were the keys to a good life (and for a lot of them, that’s how it played out).
Gen Z sees work in a completely different light. They grew up watching their parents get burned out, laid off, or stuck in unfulfilling jobs despite their hard work. To them, work isn’t the centre of life; it’s just a means to an end. They prioritise work-life balance, aren’t afraid to change jobs frequently, and have no problem quitting if a workplace is toxic. While boomers often see this as entitlement, Gen Z sees it as self-preservation.
2. They define respect in totally different ways.
For boomers, respect is given based on age, position, and authority. They were raised to believe that elders, bosses, and traditional institutions automatically deserve respect, and questioning them was seen as disrespectful or rebellious. To them, following rules and maintaining politeness, regardless of whether someone has earned it — is a core value.
Gen Z, however, doesn’t believe in automatic respect. They think respect has to be earned, no matter someone’s age or status. If a leader or elder behaves in a way that’s harmful or outdated, Gen Z won’t hesitate to challenge them. Boomers often see this as a lack of manners, while Gen Z sees it as holding people accountable.
3. Their relationship with money is completely opposite.
Boomers were raised in a time when hard work could provide financial stability. Many were able to buy homes on modest salaries, afford college without massive debt, and expect steady pension plans. While not every boomer had it easy, the economic landscape they entered was far more forgiving than what Gen Z faces today.
Gen Z, on the other hand, grew up in an era of skyrocketing rent, stagnant wages, and a lot of student debt. The traditional financial milestones that boomers valued, like buying a home or staying in one job for decades, feel nearly impossible for many young people today. Because of this, younger people approach money differently, often choosing financial flexibility, side hustles, and alternative paths to stability. What boomers see as irresponsibility, Gen Z sees as adapting to a broken system.
4. They definitely don’t communicate the same way.
Most boomers prefer face-to-face conversations and phone calls, where tone, body language, and full sentences are used. They value direct, clear communication and often see digital messaging as impersonal or lazy. To them, texting should be for quick updates, not deep conversations.
Gen Z, however, communicates in rapid, digital-first ways — short texts, emojis, memes, and voice notes. They’re fluent in internet slang, abbreviations, and subtle context clues that older generations often misinterpret. To older generations, young people’s way of speaking can feel abrupt or dismissive, while to Gen Z, boomers’ long-winded explanations can feel unnecessary and outdated.
5. They approach mental health completely differently.
For boomers, mental health was rarely discussed. Struggles with anxiety, depression, or stress were often seen as personal weaknesses rather than real issues that needed care. Therapy was considered something for extreme cases, and most people were expected to push through their emotions without external help.
Young people have completely changed that perspective. They openly discuss mental health, prioritise self-care, and see therapy as just as important as physical health. Many actively set boundaries to protect their mental health, something boomers often struggle to understand. While older people sometimes see this as oversensitivity, younger ones see it as breaking harmful cycles of silence.
6. Their expectations for customer service are at opposite ends of the spectrum.
Boomers expect high-quality, personal service. They value businesses that take time to cater to customers, and often demand to speak to a real person when something goes wrong. They grew up in a world where good service was the norm, and they’re frustrated by today’s automated, self-service systems.
Gen Z, however, has adapted to a world of chatbots, online forms, and minimal human interaction in customer service. They often prefer handling things themselves rather than waiting on hold or dealing with unnecessary small talk. What boomers see as frustratingly impersonal, Gen Z sees as more efficient.
7. They see privacy in vastly different ways.
Boomers were taught to keep personal information private. They’re wary of oversharing online and often feel uncomfortable with the level of digital exposure that younger generations embrace. Many are deeply concerned about data tracking, identity theft, and the dangers of social media.
Gen Z, however, grew up with the internet and social media as part of daily life. They share personal updates, post pictures regularly, and engage in online communities without hesitation. While they do value privacy in certain ways, their boundaries are more flexible, something that often confuses and concerns older people.
8. They define success differently.
For boomers, success was about stability — owning a home, having a long-term job, and building a secure retirement fund. Many spent decades working toward these traditional goals, seeing them as markers of a well-lived life.
Gen Z doesn’t view success in such rigid terms. Many prioritise happiness, freedom, and meaningful experiences over financial security. Some choose freelance careers, travel over homeownership, or passion projects over traditional jobs. While boomers may see this as unrealistic, Gen Z sees it as a healthier approach to life.
9. They completely disagree on social activism.
Boomers were often taught to keep personal beliefs and politics separate from work, friendships, and daily life. While activism existed in their time, it was less intertwined with everyday interactions.
Gen Z, however, sees activism as an ongoing responsibility. They engage in political and social issues regularly, using social media to raise awareness, call out injustice, and push for change. Boomers sometimes view this as aggressive or unnecessary, while Gen Z sees silence as complicity.
10. They don’t trust the same institutions.
Boomers generally grew up with more trust in government, corporations, and traditional media. Many believed in working within the system to create change rather than questioning its foundations.
Gen Z is far more sceptical. They fact-check everything, challenge authority, and distrust traditional news sources. Having grown up witnessing political scandals, misinformation, and economic instability, they’re naturally more critical of institutions that older generations trusted.
11. Their humour couldn’t be more different.
Boomers appreciate structured jokes, punchlines, and humour that relates to everyday life. They like clear, relatable setups that lead to an obvious payoff. Gen Z humour tends to be surreal, absurd, and sometimes completely nonsensical. It thrives on irony, self-deprecation, and randomness, often leaving boomers confused. While older generations might think it’s meaningless, younger ones see it as a reflection of their chaotic world.
12. They have different views on relationships and family.
Boomers were raised with traditional expectations around marriage, family roles, and long-term commitment. Many followed the path of getting married young, having kids early, and building a family structure based on set roles.
Gen Z is redefining relationships entirely. Many reject traditional marriage timelines, embrace non-traditional family dynamics, and see relationships as more fluid. While boomers might see this as avoiding responsibility, Gen Z sees it as creating a life that actually works for them.
13. They fundamentally experience the world differently.
At the end of the day, Gen Z and boomers grew up in entirely different realities. What made sense for one generation doesn’t always translate to the other. They aren’t just different in age; they see the world through completely different experiences. While they may never fully understand each other, acknowledging these differences can at least help bridge the gap, even if they’ll always see things differently.
