Gen Z Has Basically Zero Patience For 6 Social Niceties Older Generations Just Accept
Ragne Kabanova / Shutterstock Gen Z is known for being pretty darn opinionated. While people in older generations seem to still believe in following traditional rules of social etiquette, younger people don't have patience for societal expectations they see as purely performative.
As they launch their adult lives, Gen Z tends to feel that they have far more important priorities to focus on than doing things like smiling at strangers or making phone calls rather than texts because someone thinks that is more polite. They certainly aren't intending to hurt anyone's feelings, but they don't think the way other people feel is more important than their own comfort and preferences.
Gen Z has pretty much zero patience for these social niceties older generations seem to just accept
1. Making small talk with strangers
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Some members of older generations see making small talk as basic social etiquette. They chat with people in the elevator or ask the cashier how their day is going because the general expectation is to say something rather than standing in silence.
Gen Z, however, is usually much more comfortable with letting quiet moments pass without forcing a conversation. They don't see every shared space as an invitation to socialize. If they have nothing meaningful to say, putting in headphones or checking social media sounds far more appealing.
2. Staying at an event longer than they want to
There's a certain unspoken pressure to stay at a party or gathering until it feels like an acceptable time to leave, particularly for boomers and Gen X. They may have been taught that leaving early looks rude or that you should stick around just because you were invited.
Younger generations value protecting their time, so they're not afraid to call it a night when they're feeling ready to go home. They say their goodbyes and make their exit because they don't see a reason to hang around for another hour just to avoid being seen as impolite.
3. Greeting everyone
Old-school etiquette says that, when you walk into a room, you should acknowledge everyone who's already there, whether you know them well or don't know them at all. A quick hello to each person is considered basic manners for older generations.
Gen Z doesn't care as much about making the rounds just to prove they noticed everyone. They're more likely to greet the people they're actually there to see and leave it at that. To them, a personal greeting with every person can feel unnecessary, especially when a wave or nod gets the same message across.
4. Calling instead of texting
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Getting an unexpected phone call isn't seen as a friendly gesture by all members of Gen Z. While older adults might think calling is the most convenient way to reach someone, it may immediately make younger generations think something is wrong because they typically prefer sending a text and letting the other person respond when they're available.
A text also gives them the chance to think about what they want to say without being put on the spot. Unless something is genuinely urgent, many would rather not hear their phone ringing unexpectedly.
5. Saying please and thank you for everything
Please and thank you are treated as the golden rule of good manners. Older generations were usually taught to use them almost automatically because that was considered the height of politeness.
Gen Z definitely isn't against being polite, but they may find it strange when every interaction requires a formal exchange of pleasantries. They see a difference between being truly appreciative and feeling like they have to say the right words on cue.
6. Pretending to be interested in a conversation
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Even when you're completely checked out, the long-standing social rulebook that boomers and Gen X abide by says that you should at least pretend to care about the conversation you're having. Nodding along and smiling at the right moments is proper etiquette.
However, younger generations dislike having to fake enthusiasm to get through an interaction. Authenticity matters more than appearances, so if the topic has clearly run its course, they may subtly disengage or directly say they're ready to move on.
Kayla Asbach is a writer with a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida. She covers relationships, psychology, self-help, pop culture, and human interest topics.
