Gen Z Has Basically Zero Patience For 7 Things Older Generations Do Often
Antoni Shkraba / AI25.studio | Pexels Gen Zers are a diverse and flexible generation, often misunderstood and stereotyped by older folks. But despite being challengers and change-makers, they're also quick to become impatient.
While older generations are used to having to wait for things, Gen Z is all about immediate gratification and convenience. So, it's not surprising that they tend to become annoyed at the habits of older people.
Gen Z has no patience for these things that older generations do often
1. Asking questions that can easily be found online
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As a generation that has never known life without the internet, Gen Z has become a bit too reliant on the internet for answers. With no use for obtaining information in analog ways, they can go a quick search online or use AI for answers.
So, when older generations ask questions that can easily be searched online, it triggers a lot of eye-rolling on Gen Z's part. From asking an expert in person to flat out refusing to look up directions, there's something astonishing about watching older generations struggle to get answers to problems when there's literally endless resources available online.
2. Engaging in unnecessary small talk
Gen Zers do admittedly struggle with engaging in small talk, whether it's in public or even at work. Having grown up with cell phones and the internet, it's made it difficult to talk face to face with others.
While introverts also dislike small talk, there comes a point when it's needed. Still, Gen Zers have no patience for older generations needing to have small talk just to be polite.
Whether it's physically lingering around when the conversation is over or bringing up an unrelated and convoluted story just to fill the silence, it can be maddening for Gen Z.
3. Using 'that's just how it's always been' as justification
If you really want to annoy Gen Zers, let them know you've accepted how the world is instead of trying to change it for the better. After all, Gen Z is known for making sweeping changes to the establishment in all forms.
Whether it's the workplace or social issues, Gen Z is a generation marked by their absolute determination to make society change. As older generations have become accustomed to traditions and norms of the past, it's something Gen Z has no patience for.
4. Getting frustrated over how 'sensitive' people are nowadays
Whether or not older generations want to admit it, people have always been sensitive. Gen Z is simply the generation most comfortable with calling out bad behavior that is genuinely harmful to whole groups of people.
It's annoying when older generations get frustrated over the sensitivity of today's world, like it's something bad. They seem unconcerned with changing their language and behaviors, despite how much more harm than good it does.
Gen Z isn't going to put up with offensive language or actions if it means that it can genuinely hurt people, and no matter if it's been said for decades.
5. Not being able to change with the times
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In an ever-changing world that Gen Z is connected to constantly via social media, they pride themselves on being socially adaptable and pivoting to meet the needs of others. Older generations can be stuck in their ways, refusing to budge when new social issues become mainstream.
From refusing to use a person's correct pronouns to being oblivious to how worldly affairs effect us, Gen Z genuinely can't stand when older generations won't adapt. It's even worse when they try to explain social phenomena to them and they still turn away from it.
6. Conforming to social rules and expectations
Gen Z has zero patience for conformity, whereas older generations adhere to the rules and expectations society has set. Obviously, having a little bit of structure in society is a good thing, but when it seeps into personal preferences and tries to hinder creative expression, Gen Z will not tolerate it.
Though conformity can benefit society, when it comes to making everyone adhere to the same rules, it can be damaging. There are people in positions of power and privilege that dictate a lot of what is acceptable, so why should Gen Z have to listen to them?
While older generations might be more comfortable keeping their heads down and following along, Gen Z is paving their own path.
7. Judging answers to already invasive questions
Gen Z is already hitting the brakes on what questions are okay to ask another person and what questions aren't appropriate. When an older person still asks these questions and judges them, however, that's unacceptable for Gen Z.
There are just certain questions Gen Z agrees people shouldn't ask, and they especially shouldn't judge their answers. Asking a woman why she doesn't want to have kids is one good example.
For older generations, they may judge the woman's answer, and that's not okay. They seem to feel really comfortable passing judgment on things that are completely normal by today's standards.
Luke Aliga is a writer with a degree in Technical Writing and Communication who covers relationships, culture, astrology, and human interest topics.
