Generational Vibes: With Gen Z and Millennials
In the midst of a lively family gathering, I found myself sandwiched between my older brother and his equally seasoned wife. Laughter erupted over a junior colleague’s email, a testament to the generational shift in communication. My brother and his wife, both Millennials, were quick to note how my generation seemed to have abandoned paragraphs for pictographs and punchlines for emojis of skulls. Little did I know, this casual banter would lead us into the rabbit hole of Gen Z humor, where ‘dying laughing’ now translates to a skull, and ‘PJ’ is so last decade.
Millennials, individuals born between 1981 and 1996; this can vary by a year or two. Individuals born in the late 1990s and early 2000s, specifically between the years 1997–2012, are considered Gen Z. Gen Z has been shaped by Covid-19, while the millennials of Gen Y experienced a recession.
Talking to millennials over text is always fun, but for them, it’s like the messages are delivered in a dialect of emojis and abbreviations that leave them blinking like a cassette tape in a Spotify world. The use of the laughing teared eye emoji has been replaced by the skull emoji to convey ‘dying’ laughter literally. Gen Z mostly doesn’t believe in being cringey; their humor is so diverse that they can ‘vibe,’ talk, and enjoy it with anyone. They are not ones to pretend in any aspect; they are straightforward, while millennials come off as diplomatic and image-conscious.
Recently, I watched “Gen Z and Millennials Squash the Beef” featuring Maitreyi Ramakrishnan on the show ‘A Little Late with Lily Singh.’ It was a hilarious take on the contrasting emoji slang and social media personas between the two generations, with a subtle nod to the ongoing debate about whispers ‘skinny jeans.’ Lily Singh humorously showcased her penchant for posting radiant, filtered selfies juxtaposed with experiencing the turmoil of being fired and going through a breakup on the same day, while Maitreyi represented Gen Z by posting a story where she expressed vulnerability and raw emotion, highlighting that crying is the new ‘hot girl summer.’
The skit cleverly delved into the stark differences in how Millennials and Gen Z approach showcasing themselves online. Lily Singh’s incredulity at the idea of sharing genuine emotions and authenticity on the internet highlighted the generational divide. It underscored how Gen Z recognizes the significance of self-reflection and mental well-being in an era dominated by curated social media personas.
Staying on the topic of mental well-being, it’s evident that Gen Z has redefined its significance. They prioritize achieving balance and nurturing mental health in every facet of their lives, challenging the traditional notions of success and appearance-driven narratives. This shift signifies a departure from appearance-driven narratives and sets a valuable precedent for future generations.
Sure, our jokes landed on different runways, mine laced with dark humor and existential dread, theirs brimming with observational sass and witty digs. But underneath, we were all passengers on the same flight, navigating the turbulence of life with laughter as our emergency oxygen.
We find ourselves sensitive over different topics because of the times we grew up in. Theirs was laced with a recession that impacted their workforce priorities, and ours with the advent of a new social media age that focused on personal development and growth.
However, both generations have meshed well in their values by being open to each other’s views. There are obviously some stark stereotypes that both these generations would like to get rid of, but at the same time, the similarities they share make those stereotypes irrelevant.
The newly released Netflix film “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan” is one such movie that is relatable to both millennials and Gen Z. Millennials were the first generation to grow up with the internet, while Gen Z is the first generation to grow up with social media. Both are significantly influenced by the virtual world, just like Ahana’s character in the film, who is portrayed as suddenly obsessed with stalking on Instagram, showcasing a perfect life on an online platform to make someone believe that everything is going great. Her constant need for social media validation made her lose control over reality to some extent. It is one of the first Bollywood films to underscore the struggles of Gen Z, focusing on Imaad’s career as a stand-up comedian and making it seem normal, which might be deemed an unsuitable job option for millennials. The film also explores his struggles with emotional intimacy, making it relatable even for millennials by bringing an emotional outlook.
Then comes Neil, a fitness trainer always looking for something more, never being content with what he has, believing there’s always something more to chase, never being still. It makes us move on to how Generation Z believes in manifestation, angelic numbers, the concept of the evil eye, and being their bosses. That just might be the reason why the economy of India is booming. Gen Z is taking the front seat in the cars of their lives, taking more risks, opening their own companies, startups, creating more opportunities and positions.
This mindset extends into the realm of entrepreneurship, where young individuals manifest their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. This belief in creating one’s destiny is fostering a wave of innovative startups and businesses across India. These young entrepreneurs harness their beliefs in manifesting success to fuel their ventures, contributing significantly to economic growth. The desire for autonomy and independence among Generation Z fuels a vibrant startup culture in India. They are not content with traditional career paths but seek self-reliance by creating their ventures. This entrepreneurial zeal generates job opportunities, stimulates innovation, and invigorates economic sectors previously untouched by traditional structures. Gen Z’s penchant for risk-taking and innovation contributes to economic expansion and diversity. Gen Z entered the workforce amidst a post-recession recovery, already benefiting from the groundwork laid by previous generations.
Additionally, external factors like government policies, global economic trends, and technological advancements contribute significantly to growth. These factors also helped in booming the entrepreneurial quality in this generation.
Relationships have also undergone a transformation. While both generations crave love, the form they seek has changed. Millennials, raised on fairy tales and rom-coms, often pursued long-term commitments, chasing the elusive dream of happily ever after, adhering to the socially constructed norms. Gen Z, however, is redefining romance. They embrace a more pragmatic ‘go for what you need’ approach, prioritizing emotional connection and fulfillment over societal expectations. Their relationships are fluid, sometimes fleeting, but always honest and upfront. It’s not about grand gestures or picture-perfect Instagram couples; it’s about finding genuine connection in an increasingly complex world.
Both Gen Z and Millennials, with their emphasis on purpose, mental well-being, and digital savviness, are actively shaping the future of work. They’re driving the demand for jobs that offer flexibility, remote options, and a strong sense of meaning. Traditional hierarchies are being challenged as Gen Z champions collaboration and entrepreneurship, leading to the rise of freelance gigs, side hustles, and innovative startups. This shift requires a rethinking of skills development, with an emphasis on adaptability, emotional intelligence, and digital fluency to navigate the ever-changing talent space. While Millennials paved the way for remote work and personalized career paths, Gen Z is pushing the boundaries even further, blurring the lines between work and life and prioritizing authenticity and well-being in the new world of work.
As the final embers of our lively family gathering faded, a profound realization settled over me. Despite the lighthearted banter about skull emojis and PJ’s, beneath the surface pulsed a shared human experience. Our generational paths may diverge, winding through distinct landscapes of humor, priorities, and communication styles, but ultimately, we all dance to the same rhythm of life, seeking laughter, purpose, and most importantly connection.
