Young adults today live in a world transformed by technology, shifting values, and new platforms for self-expression. Compared to their parents and grandparents, the ways they voice their wants, needs, and desires have evolved significantly. Here are seven key differences:
1. Digital Storytelling over Face-to-Face Confession
Instead of heart-to-hearts over coffee or long handwritten letters, today’s young adults often turn to Instagram stories, YouTube vlogs, or TikTok videos to share personal milestones, struggles, and dreams—publicly and creatively.
Our younger granddaughter is a youtuber with over 100,000 subscribers. Grandpa and I were initially (mildly) shocked by some of her topics (i.e., bodily functions) and impressed by her ability to express her spiritual convictions so clearly and joyfully. We are among her biggest fans but refrain from writing comments that might lower the trust of her adolescent readers who pour out their hearts to her.
2. Therapy Talk is Normalized
Younger generations are more likely to openly discuss mental health, therapy, and emotional well-being. Terms like “boundaries,” “self-care,” and “burnout” are common in everyday conversation—something rarely voiced by older generations at the same age.
Grandpa and I definitely see this in our grandkids-- all the usual psychology vocabulary along with a variety of new words we puzzle about or look up. Hearing about burnout from a highschooler is somewhat disturbing, but then realizing that they also have an improved ability to find solutions and apply them than we did at that age. is relieving.
3. Identity as Fluid and Visible
From pronouns in social media bios to pride flags on backpacks, today’s youth make space for nuanced gender, cultural, and sexual identities. Expression is not only inward but outward—through fashion, language, and activism.
Love this from our grandkids. In general they don't appear interested in criticising or making judgements about their peers. Perhaps that goes along with the increased self-awareness of this generation-- that is, they can express their own lapses of well-being without self-judgement and have developed empathy for their peers in their suffering?
4. Online Communities Over Local Circles
While earlier generations leaned on family, church, or neighborhood groups for connection, young adults now often find their “people” through Reddit threads, Discord servers, or fandom forums—expressing themselves more freely in chosen online spaces.
I am fairly reserved, as is my husband, in airing personal issues with even family or church friends, so it was, again, a bit of a jolt to have a teen grandchild say that they had expressed some personal issues on Reddit (and, no, I didn't go looking for the thread) and received "77 votes" expressing empathy, sympathy, or consternation towards whatever was causing distress. This seemed to provide desired assistance in working through a problem that worked out well.
5. Minimalism and Intentional Living
Many are vocal about rejecting materialism and traditional success markers (like a house or 9–5 job). Through blogs, reels, or minimal-lifestyle content, they express desires for purpose, balance, and sustainability rather than just financial security.
I am not sure about this since my grandkids seem to express a desire to experience "abundance" in a way I didn't have any real understanding of when I was a young adult. They have had jobs and socked away their earnings too. Their parents have no doubt been very helpful in encouraging their financial management and plans. They don't "reject materialism or traditional success markers" so I suppose they diverge a little from the Gen Z norm? On the other hand, they do not seem to expect to be treated like Princesses.
6. Memes and Humor as Catharsis
Rather than lengthy rants or private diary entries, young people today often process feelings through humor—using memes, ironic tweets, or relatable content to express frustration, ambition, or loneliness in a way their elders may not understand.
Yes, humor definitely plays a big role in their recovery from disappointment and in assessing their rough patches as they pass through life. I would have to say that humor is also something we, the old guys, have steadily built into our lives as we age. Humor and self-compassion have so many life-sustaining benefits.
7. Activism as Identity
Today’s youth see advocacy as integral to self-expression. Whether it’s environmentalism, social justice, or political reform, their wants and needs are broadcast through protests, petitions, and posts, not just quiet voting or private opinions.
This shift reflects more than just generational quirks—it’s a response to a faster, more connected, and more transparent world. While their methods may differ, young adults are still seeking what their elders did: belonging, respect, and a meaningful voice.
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If you are looking for books and other resources to better understand your Gen Z kid or students, or to read aloud with your partner, etc. (?), Amazon Canada and Amazon.com have a great selection. If you purchase an item through the above link(s), we recive a referral fee. Thank you for your support!
Disclosure: ChatGPT was used to generate the meme at the top of the article and in the editing of the general article.
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