Generational battles are basically a universal sport at this point, right? From what’s ‘in’ to what’s just… bizarre, there’s always a chasm between how different age groups see the world. For years, it felt like Boomers were the ultimate skeptics, often rolling their eyes at the latest “modern” fad that swept through social feeds and coffee shops. But hold on to your skinny jeans, because guess what? Turns out, our elders might have been onto something pretty profound. A lot of those trends they side-eyed from the start? Yeah, they’re not exactly aging like fine wine.
The data is in, and it’s looking increasingly like Boomers were right on the money with their initial reservations about many of today’s most talked-about behaviors and spending habits. While some of us were busy embracing everything new, their long-held belief that trends fizzle as quickly as they catch on is proving remarkably prescient. It’s not about being stuck in the past; it’s about a wisdom born from seeing these cycles play out before.
So, get ready to nod along, maybe even let out a chuckle, as we dive into 14 so-called “trends” that Boomers instinctively knew were, well, kind of ridiculous. These aren’t just fleeting fads; they’re the ones that brought about genuine concerns, from financial strain to mental health impacts. And honestly, we’re probably all better off without them. Here’s why we should be cheering their slow, but sure, disappearance from our daily lives!
1. **Filming everything for social media**Ever found yourself pulling out your phone to document your aesthetically pleasing avocado toast, only to be met with a subtle eye-roll from a Boomer? It’s a scene that plays out countless times a day. While we might dismiss it, the numbers are actually backing up that classic Boomer concern. We’ve become a society obsessed with capturing every moment, often for public consumption, rather than truly immersing ourselves in the experience. It’s like living life through a lens, prioritizing the digital share over the real-world feel.
Ever found yourself pulling out your phone to document your aesthetically pleasing avocado toast, only to be met with a subtle eye-roll from a Boomer? It’s a scene that plays out countless times a day. While we might dismiss it, the numbers are actually backing up that classic Boomer concern. We’ve become a society obsessed with capturing every moment, often for public consumption, rather than truly immersing ourselves in the experience. It’s like living life through a lens, prioritizing the digital share over the real-world feel.
Consider the sheer volume: according to SQ Magazine, the average Gen Z user clocks in a mind-boggling 95 minutes a day on TikTok alone. Here’s the kicker: a significant chunk of that time isn’t spent just passively consuming; it’s dedicated to *creating* content. This constant cycle of recording, editing, and publishing transforms everyday occurrences into meticulously curated digital performances. This shift fundamentally alters how we interact with and perceive our own realities.
Boomers, having grown up without pervasive smartphones, intuitively understood that a moment’s true value lies in the raw, unedited experience. They cherished memories through internal reflection and shared stories, without the immediate pressure to publish them for likes. This isn’t to say all documentation is negative, but when filming overshadows genuine engagement, we risk losing something profoundly human.
The constant psychological demand to film and post creates an artificial, often stressful, layer between individuals and their lived experiences. Instead of fully savoring a delicious meal or appreciating a sunset, the focus subconsciously shifts to how it will look on a screen. This trend, as Boomers suspected, is proving to be a subtle barrier to authentic connection and truly immersive living. It’s a relief to see this performative living starting to lose its grip.
2. **Overpriced specialty coffee**Ah, the $7 latte. For many Boomers, the sheer mention was enough to elicit a bewildered shake of the head and a muttered, “Unsustainable!” While younger generations might have initially brushed off these concerns, financial experts are now firmly backing up the elders. What began as a simple caffeine fix has steadily morphed into a veritable status symbol, boasting a price tag that’s making a significant dent in many financial futures. It’s less about the coffee and more about the culture around it.
Ah, the $7 latte. For many Boomers, the sheer mention was enough to elicit a bewildered shake of the head and a muttered, “Unsustainable!” While younger generations might have initially brushed off these concerns, financial experts are now firmly backing up the elders. What began as a simple caffeine fix has steadily morphed into a veritable status symbol, boasting a price tag that’s making a significant dent in many financial futures. It’s less about the coffee and more about the culture around it.
The cold, hard math really doesn’t lie here. Financial experts are highlighting that premium coffee spending is skyrocketing at an alarming rate, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.4%. This isn’t just a minor, occasional splurge; it’s a considerable, persistent expenditure actively contributing to a widening savings gap between generations. That daily artisanal brew is far from an insignificant cost when viewed through a long-term lens.
Let’s put it into perspective: a seemingly innocent $6 daily coffee translates to a whopping $2,190 annually. Imagine what that kind of money could achieve if it were channeled into something more financially strategic. We’re talking about building a robust emergency fund, putting money towards a crucial down payment, or significantly bolstering retirement savings. Boomers, with their inherent pragmatism, saw this kind of lifestyle inflation coming a mile away, predicting it would inevitably lead to financial woes.
The core issue isn’t merely the coffee itself, but the undeniable transformation of a basic need into an expensive ritual. This is often driven more by social status and a curated aesthetic than by a genuine need for caffeine or simple enjoyment. As younger people grapple with escalating living costs, the sobering realization that these seemingly small expenditures have major, cumulative long-term impacts is finally hitting home. Boomer skepticism is proving remarkably accurate.
3. **Influencer culture and parasocial relationships**Remember when total strangers on the internet started racking up millions of devoted followers? Boomers were quick to ask the big question: “Why?” Why are we placing so much trust and attention into people we don’t actually know? Modern psychology is now firmly backing up their initial bewilderment. The phenomenon of influencer culture, and the parasocial relationships it fosters, is proving to be more problematic than initially thought.
Remember when total strangers on the internet started racking up millions of devoted followers? Boomers were quick to ask the big question: “Why?” Why are we placing so much trust and attention into people we don’t actually know? Modern psychology is now firmly backing up their initial bewilderment. The phenomenon of influencer culture, and the parasocial relationships it fosters, is proving to be more problematic than initially thought.
Surveys by GoDaddy have unveiled a concerning trend: Gen Z, in particular, demonstrates a far greater inclination to trust recommendations from influencers over qualified experts. This is a significant and potentially risky paradigm shift. Influencers often operate without the formal qualifications, rigorous training, or robust accountability structures that define truly trusted sources of information. Charisma often trumps credentials.
The rise of these parasocial relationships, where followers develop intense, one-sided emotional connections with public figures, isn’t just harmless fan interaction. Research teams have found that these deeply felt, yet ultimately artificial, intimacies can actually hinder the development of genuine, reciprocal connections with people in one’s *real* life. It creates an illusion of closeness that can be deeply unfulfilling and isolating in the long run.
Boomers instinctively valued authentic, face-to-face interactions and tended to place their trust in people they knew personally or who held verifiable expertise. Their skepticism about the depth, reliability, and emotional impact of online adoration now resonates deeply. We’re understanding the psychological toll of seeking constant validation from strangers and substituting genuine connection with curated online personas. The digital glitter is definitely coming off this particular fad.
4. **Constant phone upgrades**Ah, the relentless annual smartphone release cycle. For many Boomers, this endless parade of slightly-newer, slightly-shinier, and predictably more expensive devices has always looked suspiciously like a cleverly orchestrated marketing gimmick. And honestly, who can really blame them? They’ve been quietly saving a pretty penny by steadfastly holding onto their reliable devices for years. Sometimes, older truly *is* better – or at the very least, far more financially savvy and sustainable.
Ah, the relentless annual smartphone release cycle. For many Boomers, this endless parade of slightly-newer, slightly-shinier, and predictably more expensive devices has always looked suspiciously like a cleverly orchestrated marketing gimmick. And honestly, who can really blame them? They’ve been quietly saving a pretty penny by steadfastly holding onto their reliable devices for years. Sometimes, older truly *is* better – or at the very least, far more financially savvy and sustainable.
The undeniable truth is that average smartphone prices have now spectacularly soared past the daunting $1,000 mark. This isn’t just about owning a slick piece of tech; it’s a significant financial investment. For many users, it isn’t even being fully utilized. Most of us leverage our sophisticated devices at a remarkably basic level, rendering constant, expensive upgrades largely redundant.
Boomers, legendary for using their phones until they literally give up the ghost, have quietly amassed thousands of dollars in savings. All this, while still enjoying virtually the same essential functionality as someone who just splurged on the latest, greatest, and most expensive model. Their philosophy? If it ain’t broke, don’t rush to replace it just because a new iteration hit the market.
This relentless trend of constant, unnecessary upgrades not only deals a significant blow to our personal wallets but also contributes massively to the ever-growing mountain of electronic waste. As the “right-to-repair” movement gains momentum and consumers question the sustainability of rapid replacement cycles, the sensible Boomer approach of maximizing a device’s full lifespan is emerging as a far more responsible and financially sound way to engage with our technology.
5. **Short-form video addiction**When platforms like TikTok exploded onto the global scene, many Boomers looked on with a distinct furrowed brow. They expressed genuine anxiety that the rapid-fire content format could lead to a widespread attention-deficit quirk across the population. Regrettably, cutting-edge neuroscience research is now unequivocally confirming their anxieties on multiple levels. Their early warnings weren’t just old-fashioned griping; they were incredibly insightful predictions.
When platforms like TikTok exploded onto the global scene, many Boomers looked on with a distinct furrowed brow. They expressed genuine anxiety that the rapid-fire content format could lead to a widespread attention-deficit quirk across the population. Regrettably, cutting-edge neuroscience research is now unequivocally confirming their anxieties on multiple levels. Their early warnings weren’t just old-fashioned griping; they were incredibly insightful predictions.
The impact on sustained attention spans has been particularly stark. Gen Z’s average attention span has reportedly plummeted to a mere 8 seconds, a number that stands in alarming contrast to previous generations. This dramatic reduction is, at least in part, directly attributed to the highly engaging and endlessly scrolling algorithms of platforms like TikTok, which constantly feed new, bite-sized content. Users are hooked instantly, never lingering too long.
Scientists are increasingly referring to this phenomenon as “dopamine dysregulation.” This isn’t just about being easily distracted; it’s a profound cognitive condition that trains the mind to crave constant, rapid-fire entertainment. The average TikTok user, for instance, indulges this insatiable craving by watching over 200 different videos every single day. That’s an incredible volume of quick hits, offering very little room for sustained focus.
Boomers, with their understanding of traditional media consumption and sustained engagement, predicted that this type of low-engagement, highly addictive short-form video format would deliver an almost endless stream of fleeting content. And they were absolutely right. The serious mental health implications, coupled with the erosion of sustained attention, are rapidly becoming major societal concerns. This trend is feeling less like harmless fun and more like a pervasive problem.
6. **Extreme maternity fashion trends**Crop tops while heavily pregnant? Daring cut-outs revealing baby bumps? When these extreme maternity fashion choices started making waves, Boomers observed them with their characteristic blend of frankness and practicality. They often dismissed them as purely “attention-seeking.” While that assessment might sound harsh, there’s a significant kernel of truth in their observations. The practical implications for expectant mothers are becoming clear.
Crop tops while heavily pregnant? Daring cut-outs revealing baby bumps? When these extreme maternity fashion choices started making waves, Boomers observed them with their characteristic blend of frankness and practicality. They often dismissed them as purely “attention-seeking.” While that assessment might sound harsh, there’s a significant kernel of truth in their observations. The practical implications for expectant mothers are becoming clear.
A revealing 2025 report by Accio shed some much-needed light on this burgeoning trend, detailing a significant surge in spending on highly fashionable maternity wear. The primary driving force? Primarily, the undeniable desire to purchase elaborate outfits that would likely be worn only once or twice, specifically for public display or social media photo opportunities. It’s less about genuine comfort or functional support and more about making a fleeting, Instagram-worthy statement.
Beyond the considerable financial outlay for single-use garments, medical professionals have voiced serious concerns. They note that certain fashionable maternity wear options are simply not designed to be as comfortable or functionally supportive as they should be. Prioritizing superficial aesthetics over genuine well-being can lead to unnecessary discomfort and potentially inadequate physical support for both mother and child during a crucial period.
This trend, focused heavily on fleeting fashion statements, often argues against the fundamental need for practicality, comfort, and health during pregnancy. By comparison, Boomers, who sensibly opted for practicality and comfort, prioritizing the health of both mother and child over fleeting photo-ops, now appear impressively sensible. The pressure for “fashion perfection” during pregnancy is a trend many expecting parents are realizing is neither sustainable nor healthy.
