Boomers and millennials don’t see eye to eye on a lot of things, and some of the biggest disagreements come down to modern trends. What one generation calls progress, the other sees as the downfall of society. Here are 15 things boomers think are destroying America – while millennials fully embrace them.
Working Remotely Instead of Going to an Office
For boomers, going to the office was just what you did. A 9-to-5 job meant showing up in person, making small talk at the water cooler, and dealing with rush hour traffic. Millennials, on the other hand, don’t see the point. With laptops and Wi-Fi, why waste time commuting when you can get the same work done from home?
Tipping Culture Getting Out of Control
Boomers grew up tipping waiters and bartenders – end of story. But now? It seems like every screen at every store is asking for a tip. Millennials don’t just accept it; they encourage it. They believe service workers deserve more money, especially since wages haven’t kept up with inflation.
Open Relationships and Different Dating Rules
Relationships used to be pretty straightforward. You dated, got married, and stayed together, whether you were happy or not. Now, everything’s flexible. People date online, stay single longer, and experiment with open relationships. For older generations, it seems messy. They believe commitment is the foundation of a relationship, not an optional part.
But millennials don’t think love has to follow one set of rules. To them, relationships are personal, and if something works, why should anyone else care?
Casual Clothes in Professional Settings
For boomers, dressing up was a sign of respect. A proper job meant a suit and tie or a professional dress, no questions asked.
They see it as the decline of professionalism, while millennials think it’s just getting rid of pointless traditions. As long as the work gets done, does it really matter if someone’s wearing sneakers instead of dress shoes?
Grocery Stores Without Cashiers
Self-checkout was supposed to be a convenience, but for some people, it feels like a headache. In the past, you went to the store, someone rang up your items, and you were on your way. Now, it’s screens, scanners, and awkward moments when the machine yells about an “unexpected item in the bagging area.” Younger shoppers don’t mind. They like avoiding small talk, getting in and out fast, and skipping long lines.
Social Media as a News Source
Boomers still trust traditional news. They turn on the TV, read newspapers, and expect journalists to do the work. Millennials, on the other hand, get their news from TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram. They prefer quick updates and viral posts over long articles and evening broadcasts.
Prioritizing Happiness Over Stability
There was a time when stability was the goal. You got a job, stuck with it for decades, and made sure you had a solid retirement plan. Younger people aren’t wired that way. They’ll leave jobs that stress them out, chase passions that don’t pay much, and travel instead of settling down.
It’s a mindset that confuses older folks. They see it as irresponsible, while millennials argue that life’s too short to be miserable.
Renting Instead of Buying a House
Boomers grew up believing homeownership was the ultimate goal. You work hard, buy a house, and build equity – it was the American dream. Millennials have a different reality.
With sky-high prices, crushing student debt, and stagnant wages, buying a house isn’t even an option for many. Instead, they rent and focus on flexibility. They’d rather live in a city, travel more, and avoid being tied down by a mortgage.
Talking About Mental Health All the Time
Not too long ago, mental health wasn’t really something people talked about. You dealt with stress, anxiety, or depression in private, or you just “got over it.” Now, younger people talk about therapy like it’s a gym membership. They’re open about their struggles, take mental health days, and expect workplaces to care.
For older generations, this all seems a bit much. They see it as complaining or making excuses, while millennials believe ignoring mental health just makes things worse. To them, taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body.
Plant-Based Everything
Meat and potatoes were the backbone of every dinner plate for generations. Now, you’ve got oat milk, plant-based burgers, and entire menus that don’t have a single piece of meat on them. For people who grew up on steak and eggs, it’s confusing. They wonder why anyone would eat a “burger” that isn’t made from beef or drink milk that comes from almonds.
Younger people are all for it. They see it as better for the planet, better for animals, and sometimes even better for their health. To them, food is changing for the better, even if older folks don’t see the point.
Not Using Cash Anymore
For a long time, cash was king. You carried a few bills, left tips in cash, and paid for things without needing a card or phone. Now, some younger people don’t even carry a wallet, just a phone with Apple Pay. They split bills on Venmo, tap their card at the store, and barely touch paper money. Older folks don’t trust it.
Workplaces That Feel Like College Campuses
Offices used to be all about desks, phones, and serious business. Now, some look more like playrooms. There are bean bags, free snacks, and casual dress codes. Some even have nap rooms. It’s a huge shift from the stiff, structured environments older workers were used to. They see it as a lack of discipline, a sign that no one takes work seriously anymore.
Social Media Oversharing
There was a time when personal life was just that – personal. Now, people post everything. What they ate, where they went, how they’re feeling, and even arguments with their partners. For some, it’s way too much information. They don’t see why anyone would want to share every detail of their life with strangers.
Millennials don’t think twice about it. To them, posting online is just part of life. It’s how they stay connected, express themselves, and sometimes even make money.
Side Hustles Instead of “Real” Jobs
A full-time job with benefits used to be the goal. Now, people are working multiple side gigs instead. Millennials are selling on Etsy, freelancing, driving for Uber, or making money through TikTok.
Older people struggle to understand this. It seems risky, unstable, and like too much effort for too little reward.
People Getting Famous for Doing Nothing
Celebrity used to mean something. You had to be an actor, musician, or athlete to be famous. Now, influencers make millions by posting videos of themselves doing… not much. They dance, vlog, or just talk to a camera, and somehow, they get rich. To people who grew up idolizing movie stars and rock legends, it’s baffling.
Millennials don’t see a problem. To them, the internet changed the game. If someone figures out how to make a living by being themselves, why shouldn’t they?