Generation Z, born after 2000, is a generation that grew with smartphones, internet, and social media. They know their way around technology and care about social issues. But like any generation, they too have several quirks and criticisms.
Here are 10 things other generations find problematic about generation Z (as taken from the comments from a Reddit thread).
Featured Image Credit: IgorVetushko /Depositphotos.com.
Tech-Savvy, Yet Technologically Clueless
Gen-Z is good at operating technology, many say, but not so good at understanding it. One tech teacher noted that, although Gen-Z can get around fine on a device, they are poor at troubleshooting or even understanding the tech itself.
“I think a lot of that generation is good at using technology but not at understanding how it works” – mseg09
“It’s wild, I had to help a class full of college students turn on a PC because they were all pressing the button for the disk tray.” – KarlDeutscheMarx
“Gen Z, in contrast, has already gotten all of the tech innovations with the quirks and need for manual tweaking already smoothed out. They’re good at using predetermined and sometimes complex ready-made functions but, as you said, seem to have little idea what makes it work under the hood.” – TheSinfulBlackSheep
Inclusion Paradox
Although Gen-Z values inclusivity, not everyone seems to be as open-minded. The idea of inclusivity itself has created lot of issues for generation Z.
“They pretend to be all about inclusion and then go on to create as many boxes as they possibly can to place themselves and everyone else into. If there are too many people in their box they create an even smaller one to try and separate themselves.” – stephers85
“And then don’t even understand it themselves when you ask about it.” – Babylen2505
Easily Offended
When it comes to criticism, Gen-Z may need a softer approach. One supervisor shared that younger workers respond better to feedback when it’s given in a gentler way.
“I had a couple of different students complain about an architect in the office and the way he was speaking to them, they said he was a bully. I pulled them off of his team, and then I spent a couple of months covertly monitoring/ listening to the way he was speaking to his team. He was never bullied, but he is very straightforward with the way he speaks – no sugar coating if someone has made a mistake, just a straightforward correction, and he can be very brusque with his instructions. I’ve switched the way we do things in the office now, so new students are always on my team.” – stone_opera
Communication Issues
Despite being digital natives, Gen-Z can be bad at communicating face to face. Many people from generation Z tend to avoid phone calls and prefer texting or messaging.
“I will tell them to call an engineer or someone on the construction team to confirm something/get some info, and it will literally take them half a day to make the phone call. Similar issue with emails, I’ve actually put together a small handbook on sending professional emails for the new students – with emphasis on the fact that they should be capitalizing and punctuating their emails (Since when did a period become aggressive?)” – stone_opera
“There seems to be a general increase in phone-related phobias/anxiety and not much instruction out there on how to get over it.” – unknown User
Mob Justice
Some perceive Gen-Z to be judgmental, criticizing people for small things a lot of the time. Commenters observe that some Gen-Zs are quick to find reasons to assert their superiority over others.
“They’ve got a knack for zeroing on the most seemingly inane things and turning it into a reason that they’re “better than you. Every generation has probably been guilty of this, but it’s sad to see them so self-assured that turning 30 and being judged by the next batch of humans will never happen to them.” – Oneforthatpurple
“My theory is that they are the first generation raised totally with social media and internet mob justice, and have no second thoughts about dogpiling onto anyone they have even a slight issue with.” – FlufferTheGreat
The Digital Permanence Blindspot
As one user pointed out, sometimes, Gen-Z does not realize that what they post online stays forever. They share whatever they like, but they might not necessarily have an idea about the long-term consequences of their actions.
“A lot of them think the content they are making is “cool” so they think it will never be considered embarrassing or come back to bite them.” – kneeecaps09
Prank Culture
Pranks for social media are popular among Gen-Z, but they often cross the line. However, for some, these pranks can be disrespectful and harmful. Many agreed that it’s a problem.
“I can’t imagine a service worker at a shop and someone throws a well-shaken bottle of coke at the ceiling. It should be illegal because they don’t get paid enough, and if they don’t clean, they will get fired.” – eater1759
“I think the issue is they get ‘views’ / ‘likes’ whether they do something good or bad because any publicity is good publicity for them, I guess.” – psych0san
“I am honestly ashamed that that is what my generation is doing.” – thelittleweido
Tech Overload and Social Skills
According to observations from various users, Gen-Z’s excessive use of technology has blunted their social skills. They find it very difficult to interact with people in person.
“There are more social issues and complexes than ever before in the history of mankind. Granted, they weren’t diagnosed or had a name for them until recently, but it’s something outrageous like 3/5 kids have a social disorder and simply can’t/don’t/won’t talk to other people normally.” – Zeusmann34
Many also blamed the COVID-related lockdowns and isolation.
“It (lockdown) started right after I graduated high school. I went from lots of social interactions every day, to the few really close friends from high school, to no one. The pandemic was awful for everyone for that reason, but that was a complete 180 for me. I loved hanging out with people in high school, even ones I barely knew. Now I have a ton of social anxiety.” – SebastianSilver
Savior Complex
Some take issue with Gen-Z being over-sensitive and frequently triggered, especially on behalf of others. Although this indicates empathy, it can also come off as them creating problems where there are none.
“As a Gen Z myself, this irritates me so much! It’s really annoying to see someone get more offended than the target audience even was, and then they just won’t let it go as if them being offended in place of someone is a good thing.” – Snappy_Emu_
The Pursuit of Online Fame
Gen-Z’s focus on social media fame worries older generations. They think that chasing likes and followers is making Gen-Z more focused on online attention than real-life happiness.
“I had a weird awakening to this in line at an event not long ago. Two girls in front of me were posting Instagram stories of the event and spending a lot of time looking at exactly who viewed each story post. Kids are growing up with technology as a social currency. I grew up with tech as a tool to create and learn. it’s sad” – arthor
Source: Reddit.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.