Every generation thinks they’ve got it all figured out—and that the ones coming after them are messing everything up.
It’s been happening for centuries, with older generations shaking their heads at “kids these days” and younger ones rolling their eyes at outdated ways of thinking. But most of these criticisms aren’t just unfair; they’re often completely wrong. Here are some classic things every generation says about the next one, and why they don’t hold up.
1. “They have it so much easier than we did.”
Every older generation loves to claim that life was tougher back in their day, as if struggle is some kind of badge of honour. Sure, some things might be easier now—technology has improved, and certain jobs are less physically demanding—but every generation faces its own unique challenges. Young people today are dealing with things like skyrocketing living costs, job instability, and a world that’s changing faster than ever. Just because their struggles look different doesn’t mean they don’t exist.
2. “They don’t know how to work hard.”
Older generations often accuse younger ones of being lazy, but the reality is that work has changed. The traditional 9-to-5 model is shifting, and younger people are figuring out how to work smarter, not just harder. Many younger workers hustle in ways previous generations never had to—through gig work, side businesses, or navigating industries that didn’t even exist a few decades ago. Hard work isn’t disappearing; it’s just evolving.
3. “They’re too sensitive.”
Every generation seems to think the one after them is too soft. But being more open about emotions and mental health isn’t a weakness—it’s progress. Younger generations are pushing for a world where people can talk about their struggles without shame. The truth is, previous generations often bottled things up because they had to. That doesn’t mean it was the right way to do things. A society that values empathy and understanding is a better one for everyone.
4. “They’re glued to their screens.”
It’s true that Gen Z and Gen Alpha spend a lot of time on their phones, but let’s be real—older people aren’t exactly tech-free either. Whether it’s TV, newspapers, or radio, every era has had its version of “screen time.” Technology is a huge part of modern life, and younger generations are just better at adapting to it. They use their devices for work, socialising, learning, and entertainment, not just mindless scrolling.
5. “They have no respect for tradition.”
Many older people worry that young people are throwing away traditions, but in reality, they’re just rethinking them. Instead of blindly following outdated customs, they’re choosing what actually matters to them. That doesn’t mean they don’t respect the past; it just means they want to create their own meaningful experiences. Traditions evolve over time, and that’s how culture moves forward.
6. “They don’t know how to communicate properly.”
Every generation has its own way of communicating. Sure, younger people might prefer texting or voice notes over phone calls, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know how to have a real conversation. Communication styles change with technology. Younger generations are just adapting to new tools the same way past generations adapted to email, radio, or even handwritten letters before that.
7. “They expect everything to be handed to them.”
This criticism usually comes from people who benefited from lower housing costs, stable job markets, and affordable education. Younger generations aren’t expecting handouts—they’re just facing an economic reality that’s much tougher than what their parents or grandparents dealt with. Most young people work incredibly hard, but wages haven’t kept up with inflation, and financial stability is harder to achieve. It’s not entitlement—it’s just a different playing field.
8. “They don’t know how to socialise properly.”
Boomers in particular love to claim that younger people have lost the ability to interact face-to-face. But just because socialising looks different doesn’t mean it’s worse. Younger generations are just as social, just in different ways. From online communities to group chats to video calls, young people are finding new ways to stay connected. Social skills aren’t disappearing; they’re just evolving with technology.
9. “They don’t appreciate what they have.”
There’s a common belief that younger generations take things for granted, but the truth is, they just have different priorities. Previous generations might have valued stability, while younger ones prioritise flexibility and experiences. That doesn’t mean they aren’t grateful; it just means they see success and fulfilment differently. Appreciating what you have doesn’t always mean wanting the same things as the generation before you.
10. “They’ll never be as successful as we were.”
Every generation thinks the next one is doomed. But history has proven time and again that younger people find a way to adapt, innovate, and thrive, no matter how different the world looks. Success isn’t measured by doing things the exact same way as before. Each generation faces unique challenges and opportunities, and if history is any indication, the younger generations will figure it out—just like the ones before them did.
