Kids Ain't Cheap

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In an era marked by rapid technological advancement and shifting social norms, the cultural divide between Baby Boomers and Generation Z has never been more pronounced. While Boomers often view these changes through a lens of skepticism and nostalgia, they also find certain Gen Z trends peculiarly amusing. As we discuss these 18 trends that spark laughter and bemusement among Boomers, from the peculiar fashions to the unconventional social media crazes.

1. TikTok Dance Challenges

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Baby Boomers are often bewildered by the fervor with which Gen Z embraces TikTok dance challenges. They chuckle at the thought of young people mastering intricate choreographies for the sake of online likes. To them, the seriousness with which these dances are executed seems disproportionate to their purpose. Boomers fondly recall simpler times when dances weren’t performed for global audiences. They find the trend both silly and endearing, a testament to the joyful, carefree spirit of youth.

2. Vlogging Every Detail

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To Boomers, the Gen Z habit of documenting every aspect of their daily lives through vlogs is a source of amusement. The concept of sharing mundane details like what one ate for breakfast, or the uneventful daily commute seems overly exhibitionistic. Boomers often joke about the days when privacy was cherished and not everything was considered worthy of broadcast. They find the oversharing nature of vlogs both baffling and humorously narcissistic.

3. Obsession with Retro Technology

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Ironically, while Boomers witnessed the dawn of many technologies, they find Gen Z’s obsession with retro tech like vinyl records and Polaroid cameras amusing. It’s humorous to see the younger generation romanticize the gadgets they hastily discarded in favor of digital advancements. Boomers often remark on the cyclic nature of trends and how old becomes new again, providing a continuous source of entertainment.

4. The Vegan Boom

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The rising popularity of veganism among Gen Z, often flaunted on social media, tickles Boomers. While they appreciate the health and environmental implications, the evangelical zeal with which many young people treat their plant-based diets is amusing. Boomers remember a time when dietary choices were less public and politicized. They find the moral superiority displayed by some vegans humorously over-the-top.

5. Thrift Shopping as a Trend

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Once a necessity, thrift shopping has become a trendy activity among Gen Z, often seen as a style statement rather than a budget-friendly choice. Boomers are amused that buying second-hand clothes, something they did out of need, is now considered chic and environmentally savvy. They joke about the days when wearing hand-me-downs was not something one boasted about on social media.

6. The Slang Revolution

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Boomers are constantly amused—and sometimes confused—by the evolving lexicon of Gen Z. Words like “yeet,” “lit,” and “sus” sound alien and often humorous. They marvel at how language evolves so rapidly, powered by social media and youth culture. Trying to keep up with the latest slang provides endless entertainment and a few missteps, which are sources of laughter in themselves.

7. E-Sports Mania

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The concept of watching others play video games, let alone considering it a sport, is a source of amusement for many Boomers. They find the passion and seriousness surrounding e-sports competitions perplexing, especially when compared to traditional physical sports. Boomers often joke about how the definition of ‘athleticism’ has expanded in ways they never could have imagined.

8. Meme Culture

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The pervasive nature of meme culture within Gen Z is both baffling and amusing to Boomers. They find the rapid creation and circulation of memes—a form of communication they didn’t grow up with—both bewildering and hilarious. The idea that a single image with text could encapsulate complex emotions or societal commentary is a modern marvel that provides much amusement.

9. Cancel Culture

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The concept of “cancel culture” has Boomers both puzzled and amused. They find the speed at which Gen Z can mobilize against brands, celebrities, and even everyday people startling. While they understand the importance of accountability, the fervor and frequency of these campaigns are sources of bewilderment. They often joke about how in their time, disagreements were settled more privately.

10. Ghosting

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Boomers find the trend of “ghosting” — abruptly cutting off communication without explanation — rather peculiar. In their view, it’s a strange new way to handle relationships, lacking the courtesy they expect. They can’t help but laugh at the non-confrontational extremes to which younger generations go to avoid uncomfortable conversations.

11. Avocado Everything

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The obsession with avocados goes beyond toast for Gen Z, extending to avocado ice cream, smoothies, and more. Boomers find this fixation amusing, especially when avocados are hailed as the superfood answer to all dietary needs. They chuckle at the endless array of avocado-themed products and recipes that dominate social media feeds.

12. The Rise of ASMR

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Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) videos, which involve creating soothing sounds to trigger a relaxing tingling sensation, are another trend Boomers find comically mystifying. They laugh at the idea of whispering and tapping being seen as recreational activities and are baffled by the huge following this trend has garnered.

13. The Athleisure Boom

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The trend of wearing gym clothes like yoga pants and sports bras as everyday attire is another point of amusement for Boomers. They find the idea of athletic wear as a fashion statement rather humorous, especially when these outfits are worn far from any gym or physical activities.

14. Extreme Personalization

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From personalized shampoo to custom-blended nutritional supplements, the Gen Z demand for extreme personalization in products is another source of amusement for Boomers. They find it funny how personalized everything must be, reflecting a stark contrast to the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach they grew up with.

15. Influencer Culture

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The concept of influencers as a career choice is both bewildering and amusing to many Boomers. They find it funny that individuals can make a living by simply sharing their lifestyle or opinions online. The seriousness with which this is treated as a profession often leads to chuckles among the older generation.

16. The Tiny House Movement

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While Boomers understand downsizing, the tiny house movement, where people choose to live in extremely small, often mobile homes, is a source of humor. They often joke about the cramped conditions and the stark contrast to the sprawling houses many aspired to in their youth.

17. Online Dating Extremes

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The normalization of online dating isn’t new, but the extent to which Gen Z takes it—using apps for not just relationships but also finding friends and networking—provides much amusement to Boomers. They laugh at the idea of needing an app for almost every type of interpersonal connection.

18. Self-Care as a Lifestyle

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Finally, the intense focus on self-care as a lifestyle, complete with elaborate routines and rituals, is another trend that Boomers find amusing. They appreciate the focus on mental health but are amused by the commercialization and the elaborate extent to which it is practiced by the younger generations.

Reflecting on Generational Amusements

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As we discuss these trends, it’s evident that the generational divide offers ample opportunity for humor and connection. By examining what Boomers find amusing about Gen Z, we uncover not only differences but also the potential for mutual understanding and appreciation. Through laughter and shared bemusement, these observations can bridge gaps, fostering a greater appreciation of each generation’s unique contributions to our shared cultural landscape.