The bewildering landscape of Gen Z trends can leave even millennials like myself scratching their heads. It often feels like there’s an entirely distinct culture among today’s teens. As we grow older, we inevitably become somewhat disconnected from the younger generation. In this rapidly evolving landscape, we encounter not only perplexing but, at times, problematic trends. It’s not unusual to come across Gen Z trends that baffle and concern us. A recent query, “What’s a trend among Gen Zs you find weird?” highlights the ongoing quest to make sense of this ever-changing cultural landscape.
Broccoli Haircut
“Broccoli haircut. Will definitely age like milk,” wrote one person, while another quipped, “The Pubadour.”
Now, let’s delve into the topic of the Gen Z haircut that bears an uncanny resemblance to broccoli! Although it has an endearing quality, it does provoke a chuckle when we imagine Gen-Z individuals looking back at photos of themselves sporting this broccoli-inspired hairstyle in the years to come and experiencing a cringe-worthy moment. Trends in hairstyles often hold a unique place in our memories, reflecting the evolving styles and choices of different generations, and the broccoli haircut is certainly no exception to this intriguing phenomenon.
Viral, Viral, Viral
“The desire to ‘go viral.’ One of my greatest fears is being involved in a viral video in any capacity, but for so many Zoomers, that’s their number 1 goal,” added another to the thread.
The aspiration to achieve viral fame is often regarded as a peculiar aspect of Gen Z culture. However, a counterpoint suggests that the desire for fame transcends generations. Gen Xers and Millennials share similar aspirations, albeit with different means and platforms. The quest for recognition and the yearning to stand out is a common thread that runs through the youth of every era. While the tools and platforms for achieving fame have evolved, the fundamental human desire for visibility and acknowledgment remains constant across generations.
The Selling Out Culture
“It’s bizarre that in 30 years or so, we’ve gone from selling out being a bad thing to it being the main goal. To the point where many people genuinely don’t even understand the concept. Edit: Someone making money from art is not necessarily selling out,” comments another on the online platform.
The idea of Gen Z individuals actively seeking opportunities to “sell out” can be seen as a somewhat peculiar concept. Traditionally, selling out has been associated with compromising one’s values or artistic integrity for financial gain or mainstream success. However, in the evolving digital culture and entrepreneurship landscape, some Gen Z members may view selling out as a legitimate path to achieving their goals, whether in content creation, branding, or business ventures.
Refusing Phone Calls
“Hate talking on the phone to…anyone,” wrote one user.
The tendency of Gen Z to frequently decline phone calls has become a noticeable aspect of their communication habits. A Zoomer chimed in, sharing a perspective commonly held among many individuals in their age group. They mentioned that they dislike speaking on the phone when someone else initiates the call. However, they expressed a reluctance to make phone calls themselves, often feeling as if they might inconvenience the recipient despite not experiencing such inconvenience when receiving calls from others. This observation highlights the nuanced dynamics of phone communication in the digital age.
TikTok
Someone added a sobering thought, “The scary thing is, it doesn’t suck, but that’s why it sucks. TikTok has a scary good algorithm, and it will show you content you genuinely want to see, and that’s why it’s bad because it sucks you into rabbit holes and stops you from leaving.”
They continued, “I’d pick up a new hobby or video game, and very quickly, I’d get fairly high-quality entertaining content about that topic on my page. Even educational stuff (I watch a lot of documentaries), and it becomes a massive negative time sink.”
Gen Z’s widespread obsession with TikTok, as a general phenomenon, has become a noticeable aspect of their digital culture. The platform has captured the attention and engagement of a significant portion of this generation, playing a central role in their entertainment, social interaction, and even shaping cultural trends.
Refusing To Drive
Someone commented, “It is weird to me in the sense that I got my license ON my 16th bday could not WAIT. But it’s not weird in the sense that the world is different now. They ‘stay home and play video games,’ but they’re doing it with their friends while also staying safe at home.”
It’s an intriguing trend that leaves us wondering if it will endure or if Gen Z will eventually transition towards a greater embrace of car culture, including obtaining driving licenses. The shift towards less emphasis on traditional driving in some urban areas has altered the perception of car ownership and driving as a rite of passage. However, as Gen Z matures, their preferences and needs may evolve, potentially leading to a resurgence in interest in driving and car culture or a continued divergence from it.
Overusing The Word “Aesthetic”
“My daughter uses the word ‘aesthetic’ to mean nice. Ex: that’s so aesthetic,” wrote one parent on the thread.
Gen Z’s overuse of the word “aesthetic” has become a noticeable linguistic pattern. A commenter shared their preference, stating they tend to use the phrase “aesthetically pleasing” instead. They added that this choice might align more with tradition. This observation underscores the evolving nature of language and the various ways different generations express themselves, with “aesthetic” becoming a prominent term in the lexicon of Gen Z individuals. In contrast, others may opt for a slightly different phrasing rooted in tradition.
Incorrectly Diagnosing Mental Disorders
“As a Gen Z, I find trying to diagnose ourselves with a mental disorder pretty weird. I’ve never done it, and I would never do it, but I know some people who do it just for attention and stuff. Pretty annoying for people who are actually suffering,” someone wrote.
There is an observable trend among some members of Gen Z where they may inaccurately diagnose themselves with mental disorders. It’s important to acknowledge that self-diagnosis can be problematic, as it lacks the professional expertise to make accurate assessments. While this behavior may arise from increased awareness of mental health, it also underscores the significance of encouraging individuals to seek help from qualified mental health professionals for a proper diagnosis and appropriate support.
Alone Time
“Their absolute inability to spend even 5 minutes alone, with no stimulus, just doing nothing. But then, that might be a self-selecting sample. The ones who can do that, you don’t notice that much,” a person wrote on the same thread. While another added, “As a millennial, I also notice this about my parents’ generation. Not when they’re out and about, but having the TV or radio constantly in the background at home. It’s not quite the same, but I think it probably comes from the same place to some degree.”
Some individuals within Gen Z may find it challenging to spend time alone, which can be seen as somewhat unusual. This trend may reflect the increasing prevalence of social connectivity and digital interactions in their lives.
Snapchat
“Using Snapchat to text message using pictures of their foreheads and the ceiling,” said one person on the same thread.
An individual attempted to provide insight into the Snapchat trend, highlighting its appeal due to its minimal effort requirement and the freedom from the need to consider one’s overall appearance. Surprisingly, despite its simplicity, it conveys a sense of personal connection, which sets it apart from conventional text messages. This phenomenon has contributed to the development of a compelling hierarchy among messaging platforms.
Micro-Labeling
“This weird obsession of micro-labelling,” explains an online user.
One individual expressed their perplexity regarding the trend of categorizing everything into micro-labels or aesthetics, noting that the distinctions between some appear exceedingly subtle, leaving them uncertain about the necessity of their existence. For instance, they mentioned encountering terms like ‘clean girl’ and ‘vanilla girl’ on TikTok, which, in their perspective, seem akin to minimalism.
Filming Everything
“The obsession of taking pics of themselves and videoing concerts is weird,” one person wrote on the discussion forum, adding, “They really don’t live in the moment and enjoy themselves and the environment around them with no judgment or concern. To me, it’s so sad, really.”
Gen Z’s growing obsession with capturing selfies and recording videos at concerts has become a prevalent trend. This behavior reflects the desire to document and share their experiences with a broader online audience. It’s a testament to the impact of technology on how this generation engages with live events, emphasizing the importance of digital presence and storytelling.
Punctuation
“Proper punctuation in text messages being seen as aggressive or rude,” added another.
Gen Z’s perception of proper punctuation in text messages as aggressive or rude is an interesting cultural shift. It’s amusing how rapidly cultural norms can transform over just a few years. This trend, which may puzzle some Boomers and Gen X individuals, highlights the evolving nature of communication in the digital age. The way we use punctuation, or even the absence of it, can carry different connotations and emotions, underlining the importance of adaptability in understanding and engaging with younger generations.
Not Capitalizing Words
“Finally, I can ask this. Why do a large amount of Gen Z’s not use capital letters? Is capitalization going the way of cursive writing?” asked one person.
The trend of not capitalizing words, particularly among a significant portion of Gen Z, raises questions about the evolving conventions of written communication. This shift can be attributed to the influence of texting, where capitalization came to be associated with formality. Consequently, many individuals intentionally opt for lowercase letters to convey a more casual and relaxed tone. This evolution mirrors the transformation of language norms over time, akin to the decline of cursive writing, reflecting the adaptability of communication methods to contemporary contexts.
No Talking Videos
“Posting videos where they’re just making faces with some text while a song plays that usually has nothing to do with the text. Just talk?” added another.
The trend of creating videos without any spoken commentary is indeed a curious and somewhat perplexing phenomenon often associated with Gen Z. It’s become particularly prevalent on platforms like TikTok and Reels, where individuals frequently overlay their reactions on someone else’s video. While some find these non-verbal reactions entertaining, others express frustration at the lack of meaningful commentary. It’s a nuanced aspect of digital culture, and opinions on its entertainment value vary widely, with some appreciating the more in-depth reactions that provide insight. In contrast, others find silly facial expressions less appealing and question their entertainment appeal.
Making Everything An Aesthetic
“Filming everything and the need to add -core at the end of every clothing aesthetic/style they rediscover lol,” said a person on the discussion. While another joked, ‘Rediscover-core.'”
The trend of transforming everything into an aesthetic is a common practice across generations. Still, Gen Z has taken it to a new level by creating unique “cores” for various aspects of their lives. Whether it’s a hobby, lifestyle choice, or even a simple everyday activity, Gen Z has a knack for turning it into an aesthetically pleasing experience. This inclination towards aesthetics reflects their creative and expressive nature, and it’s fascinating to observe how they infuse beauty and style into even the most ordinary aspects of life.
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