Navigating the World of Gen Z as a Millennial

There is an obvious tension between Gen Z and Millennials when it comes to what the other should and shouldn’t be allowed to like and dislike. If you have ever found yourself deep in a TikTok scroll-fest then you have more than likely seen the videos of Gen Z ridiculing Millennials on what we wear, how we do our hair, and even what kind of music we listen to. Millennials have been labeled as ‘nostalgia junkies’ because we often embrace anything and everything that reminds us of the days when life was at its simplest. Millennials are the first generation to grow up with the internet. The sound of the dial-up internet connecting to the world wide web will be with us till the end of our days. Gen Z is the first generation that grew up surrounded by technology and high-speed internet. By the time they could walk, the smart phone and other ‘smart’ devices were already in existence. Dial-up was a thing of the past, and easy access to the internet was in the palm of our hands. Though both generations like to knock on the other, we should really consider being allies instead of foes.

Social Media Gurus

Gen Z gets a lot of flack for their obsession with the instant gratification they get from likes and follows. Their need for acceptance drives them to go to some extreme lengths just to up their numbers. Understandably, they feel this way since they don't know a time and place without technology. In our Millennial early days being accepted or acknowledged by our peers was gained through talent shows, clubs, sports, and the luck of the draw sometimes. Gen Z associates popularity with likes and follows, while Millennials associated it with how many high fives or fist bumps, we got in the hallway at school. With the power of social media behind them, Gen Z thrives for instant results in a way Millennials don’t understand. Our early social media days on Myspace didn’t even prepare us for the wave of ‘likes and follow’ culture that would erupt with Gen Z. Not being in someone’s top 8 was the closest Millennials got to feeling the sting of rejection from a social media platform. Gen Z is the future, and the skills they develop early on from marketing on social media will benefit both generations in the workforce and on a personal level in the long run.

In Tune With Mental Health

If there is one important thing I’ve learned from Gen Z it is that they are speaking out on their mental health. They are not afraid to voice their good days or bad days, and constantly bring awareness to anyone who will listen. Growing up as a Millennial the resources for mental health were scarce. We were told to ignore it or try to distract ourselves from it. That what we were feeling was normal and part of growing up. I don’t blame our parents; the information just wasn’t there like it is now. Gen Z is leading the pathway and opening so many doors to get help when we need it. They may judge us Millennials for our fashion choices, but they are shining the light on resources and support groups for everyone. The acceptance of mental health brought on by Gen Z has also pushed many Millennials to evaluate and seek their own help. Millennials are going hand in hand with Gen Z on this movement, and it’s something that is being taken seriously by both generations. Millennial parents are doing better by listening and recognizing what our Gen Z kids are feeling and going through. We get the opportunity to help them sooner and at an earlier age in a way we wish we could have been helped.

Celebrating and Lifting Each Other Up

Through all the banter there is also a surprising connection and middle ground between Gen Z and Millennials where we sort of kind of understand each other. Both generations have made a stand for what we believe in and celebrate each other for who we are. Millennials and Gen Z are generations who fully embrace and understand the importance of each other’s individualities and beliefs. Gen Z has proved that there is no limit on what we can be or what we can accomplish. The sky is the limit, and they are the most determined generation when it comes to chasing their dreams and supporting each other through it. Millennials were often told that we had to go where the money was if we wanted to be successful. This led us to student loan debt and degrees that never got put to good use. It took a pandemic and the optimism of Gen Z to push a lot of Millennials on their own path to finally do what they love to do instead of what we thought we had to do.

No Hard Feelings

Gen Z is still trying to figure out who they are and how they identify, and they have figured out so much already at a young age. The desire Millennials felt to fit in and to be accepted by our peers when we were younger is the same thing that Gen Z is facing now, and it’s worse thanks to social media and the bar it sets for acceptance. It wasn't too long ago that Millennials were in Gen Z's shoes. We were still learning and trying to navigate the world just like they are today. Gen Z isn't afraid to stand up for themselves, and they have many platforms to do it on. Using their power for good more often than evil is something I hope Gen Z will continue to do as they grow, becoming as old and wise as Millennials are. Until the day comes that Gen Z completely takes over the world, I think it’s important that we both continue to learn from each other. We need to be on the same team helping each other, and working together instead of bickering over side parts, and skinny jeans.