There’s always been a generational gap. It’s in the way we think, act, and most evidently, in the trends we follow.
Younger generations are always pushing the envelope, and sometimes, older folks find it tough to keep up.
From fashion choices to technological advances, there are numerous trends that younger people are embracing which leave the older generation scratching their heads.
Now, let’s dive into these 8 popular trends that are causing quite a stir and making older people wonder what’s going on!
1) The rise of social media
Let’s face it. Social media has taken over the world, especially amongst the younger generations.
It’s not just about sharing pictures or posting updates anymore. It’s a tool for communication, entertainment, and even education.
But for many older folks, this digital socializing is a hard pill to swallow. They often find it challenging to understand why young people are so glued to their screens, constantly updating their status or sharing every meal they eat.
The constant need for validation through ‘likes’ and ‘shares’ is also a concept that seems alien to them. Traditional face-to-face interaction is what they are used to and prefer.
This gap in understanding is not a result of stubbornness, but a natural outcome of the different eras they grew up in. However, it’s important for both generations to keep an open mind and respect each other’s preferences.
2) The obsession with selfies
Now, this one even baffles me at times. I remember when I first saw my niece taking a picture of herself during a family gathering. I found it odd, but didn’t think much of it.
Yet, as time went on, I noticed this wasn’t just a one-off thing. Whether at a concert, at the dinner table, or even just lounging around at home, the younger folks were constantly taking selfies.
The craze seemed to be everywhere and it was not something I could quite wrap my head around. It seemed so foreign to the idea of taking photos that I grew up with. We used to take photos to capture memories of people and places, not just our own faces.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to document yourself in different situations. But it’s the obsession that leaves many older folks, including myself, perplexed. It’s one of those trends that we find hard to understand and accept as the new normal.
3) The shift towards plant-based diets
Younger generations have started making significant changes to their diets. More and more people are choosing to go vegetarian or vegan.
Get Smarter Everyday Join Us On WhatsApp
This isn’t just about personal health, but also environmental concerns. The meat industry is one of the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and this information has led many young people to alter their eating habits.
Interestingly, a survey by The Vegan Society found that nearly half of all vegans are aged 15-34, showing a clear generational divide.
The older generation, accustomed to traditional diets, may find it difficult to understand or accept this shift towards plant-based foods. It’s not just about giving up meat, but also a whole lifestyle change that comes with it. This makes it one of the trends that older folks find hard to accept.
4) Fast fashion vs sustainable fashion
Fast fashion has been a huge trend over the past few decades, with affordable and trendy clothing easily accessible to all. However, the younger generation is increasingly moving away from this concept.
They are more conscious about the environmental impact of fast fashion, and are instead embracing sustainable fashion. This involves choosing clothes that are ethically made and designed to last longer, even if they come with a higher price tag.
Older generations, who have grown accustomed to a culture of consumerism and disposable fashion, may find it hard to understand why young people are willing to pay more for less.
This shift in mindset is not only contributing to the fight against climate change, but also challenging the norms of the fashion industry. As such, it’s another trend that older generations may find hard to accept.
5) The emphasis on mental health
Younger generations are increasingly prioritizing mental health, and it’s about time. For far too long, there’s been a stigma attached to mental health issues, making it difficult for people to seek help.
Today’s youth are challenging this stigma. They’re openly discussing their struggles, advocating for better mental health care, and promoting self-care practices. It’s an inspiring change that’s long overdue.
However, older generations, who grew up in a time when mental health was rarely discussed, can find this openness hard to grasp. It’s not that they don’t care about mental well-being; it’s just that the open dialogue and acceptance around these issues is relatively new to them.
This change is not just a trend; it’s a powerful shift towards a more understanding and empathetic society. It may be hard for older folks to accept, but it’s a change that’s crucial for our collective well-being.
6) The gig economy
There was a time when I thought job security meant working for the same company for 30 years. But that’s not the case anymore.
Younger generations are increasingly drawn to the gig economy. This means they prefer to take on short-term contracts or freelance work, rather than sticking to traditional, long-term jobs.
The appeal lies in the flexibility and freedom that comes with it – the ability to choose when you work, where you work, and who you work for. It’s liberating in many ways.
Get Smarter Everyday Join Us On WhatsApp
However, for older generations who value job security and a stable income, this trend can be unsettling. It challenges the traditional concept of employment they’ve been comfortable with.
It’s a different way of approaching work-life balance, and it’s another trend that some older folks find hard to accept.
7) The decline of traditional TV
Remember when the whole family would gather round the television to watch a favorite show at a specified time? Those days are becoming a thing of the past.
With the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, younger generations are watching what they want, when they want. They’re no longer tied to a TV schedule.
This shift towards on-demand entertainment offers flexibility and choice, but it also breaks away from the traditional TV viewing habits.
As a result, older generations who are used to scheduled programming may find this trend hard to understand or accept. It’s a different way of consuming media, and it’s another trend that’s reshaping our culture.
8) The importance of authenticity
Younger generations place a high value on authenticity. They want to be true to themselves and expect the same from others, including brands and businesses.
This demand for authenticity is changing the way we communicate, market, and even live. It’s not just about being honest; it’s about being real, genuine, and transparent.
For older generations, this emphasis on authenticity might seem overwhelming or unnecessary. But at its core, it’s a trend that’s pushing us towards a more honest and open society. And that’s something we should all strive for.
Final thoughts: It’s all about understanding
At the heart of all these trends lies a fundamental human trait – the desire to evolve and adapt.
Younger generations are not just following trends for the sake of it. They’re striving to shape a world that aligns with their values and beliefs. Whether it’s embracing technology, prioritizing mental health, or advocating for environmental sustainability, these trends reflect their hopes for the future.
For older generations, accepting these trends might be challenging. It requires adjusting to new norms and stepping out of comfort zones. But it’s crucial to remember that every generation has its unique way of interpreting the world.
As American author and motivational speaker, Simon Sinek once said, “Our job is to teach the young. Their job is to lead us.” Let’s take a moment to reflect on this, for it calls on us to be open-minded, empathetic, and understanding towards each other.
After all, we are all part of the same evolving society, each generation contributing in their own unique way.
Get Smarter Everyday Join Us On WhatsApp
