In a surprising turn of events, members of Gen Z, the generation born between 1997 and 2012, are sounding off about the modern world in a way that’s eerily reminiscent of their Boomer predecessors. From griping about the noise level of their peers to lamenting the decline of traditional social skills, these young people are voicing concerns that might make you do a double take.
The Noise, The Noise, The Noise
“I’m not asking for much, just a little bit of quiet would be nice,” says 19-year-old Emily, a college freshman. “I mean, I get it, people like to have fun and all, but do they really need to blast their music at 11 PM on a Tuesday?” Emily’s complaint is just one of many from Gen Zers who are fed up with the constant din of their peers. Whether it’s loud conversations in the library, blaring music at parties, or even just the incessant beeping of notifications, these young people are craving a little peace and quiet.
The Lost Art of Conversation
“I went to a party last weekend and literally everyone was just staring at their phones,” says 17-year-old Jake. “I tried to start a conversation with someone and they just grunted at me and went back to scrolling through Instagram. It’s like, what’s the point of even being in the same room if you’re not going to talk to each other?” Jake’s frustration is echoed by many of his peers, who are bemoaning the decline of traditional social skills in the age of social media.
The Good Old Days (of Landlines and Letters)
“I miss the days when people used to call each other on the phone,” says 20-year-old Rachel. “Now it’s all just texting and Snapchatting. It’s so impersonal.” Rachel’s nostalgia for the pre-smartphone era is shared by many of her fellow Gen Zers, who are romanticizing the days of landlines, handwritten letters, and face-to-face conversations.
The Perils of Social Media
“Social media is just so fake,” says 18-year-old Alex. “Everyone’s always posting these perfect, curated photos and it’s just not real life. I’m so tired of feeling like I need to present this perfect image online.” Alex’s sentiment is echoed by many of his peers, who are growing increasingly disillusioned with the superficiality of social media.
The Value of Hard Work
“I’m so sick of people expecting everything to be handed to them on a silver platter,” says 19-year-old Maya. “I mean, I know it’s not easy, but if you want something, you need to put in the work. No one owes you anything just because you exist.” Maya’s complaint is a familiar one, echoing the sentiments of many Boomers who have lamented the entitlement of younger generations.
As the saying goes, “there’s nothing new under the sun.” It seems that, despite their differences, each generation has its own set of gripes and complaints about the world around them. And while Gen Z may be known for their tech-savviness and progressive values, it’s clear that they’re not immune to the same kinds of frustrations that have plagued their predecessors.
So, the next time you hear a Gen Zer complaining about the noise level or the decline of traditional social skills, just remember: they’re not so different from the rest of us after all.
