16 Things Gen Z Can’t Live Without That Baby Boomers Never Needed
What are the things you can’t live without? Most people might name friends and family, while others point to specific objects they’ve become attached to. Ask Gen Z, and they’ll probably mention items that baby boomers never needed.
Gen Z lives in a world that differs greatly from the past, where technology has changed life as we know it. These innovations make life more comfortable but also increase our dependence on technology.
To summarize, here are the things Gen Z can’t survive without that baby boomers never needed.
1. Smartphones
Today, it’s rare to see Gen Z without a smartphone in hand. With so many functions packed into one compact device, it’s no wonder this generation has become so reliant on it.
Gen Z uses their phones as alarm clocks, books, cameras, calendars, calculators, journals, music players, and even banks. Unlike older adults, who lived before this multi-functional device was invented, Gen Z grew up with smartphones everywhere.
2. Internet Connection
The birth of the internet has significantly changed modern life, particularly for Gen Z, who grew up with it. Now an essential part of daily life, it provides rapid access to information and networks that serve various functions.
Dr. Merten Reglitz, a lecturer at the University of Birmingham, argues that internet access is a necessity, not a luxury. As evidenced by remote work and online school trends during the pandemic, Gen Z was never wrong to think of Wi-Fi as a basic need.
3. Computer or Laptop
Computers, while not as central to Gen Z’s lives as smartphones, are still necessary for school and work.
As Gen Z enters the workforce, they often bring their own devices to the office. They like having their laptops with them as it makes them more productive, compared to a company-sponsored one that might be less convenient.
4. Reusable Water Bottles
Gen Z is recognized for its strong environmental activism. According to a Deloitte survey, they view climate change as a major concern, which contributes to their reliance on reusable water bottles.
Remember when Stanley cups were sold out everywhere? The surge in the popularity of reusable bottles highlights the young generation’s environmental consciousness, which sets them apart from their parent’s generation.
5. YouTube
Gen Z is deeply engaged in online platforms, from social media sites to streaming websites. A Defy Media study for Adweek reveals that YouTube is the top platform Gen Z regularly uses and can’t live without.
As one of the oldest online digital platforms, YouTube has been a staple for Gen Z, who grew up watching all types of content for free.
6. GPS
A GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a navigation tool installed in cars and mobile devices like smartphones. It’s one of the tools Gen Z love using and can’t live without.
Boomers learned how to navigate using paper maps, but Gen Z struggles to get to places they’ve never been to unless they have a GPS within reach.
7. Food Delivery Apps
Gen Z’s reliance on technology extends to the services offered on digital platforms. Food delivery is an example of this, as it allows them to get meals without having to leave their homes. This service once seemed like a luxury, but it’s now a part of Gen Z’s everyday life, thanks to the apps’ reliability.
DoorDash and Uber Eats are two of the most popular food delivery services in the U.S. While Gen Z depends on these apps for food, boomers tend to cook or go to restaurants for meals more often.
8. Video Communication Apps
Video communication apps like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet are the staples for Gen Z, especially the ones that are now in the workforce. The apps offer high-quality video and audio that try to mimic the authentic personal conversations one can have.
Gen Z uses these apps to meet with friends and family, as well as co-workers and bosses, in the digital world. They are the new venues for meetups, albeit in the virtual world.
9. App Store
Where can you find the apps you need for today’s digital devices? Depending on the device you’re using, they offer a virtual store where you can access all sorts of apps.
The Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store offer apps that give you an application for every use. Gen Z relies on these “stores” to freely download or buy the apps they need.
10. Headset or AirPods
Is there a Gen Z who doesn’t own a headset, AirPods, or earphones nowadays? These devices can be used to listen to music and audiobooks wherever they are.
Gen Z tunes the world out by wearing these devices and getting lost in the world of music and stories. Compared to boomers, who tend to be more present and in the moment, Gen Z likes listening to their favorite podcasts when they’re out.
11. Taxi Apps
Baby boomers are used to owning cars, using public transportation, or calling a taxi. In contrast, Gen Z often relies on e-hailing apps where you book a ride online.
A New York Post report claims that Gen Z prefers public transit, Uber, and Lyft over car ownership to steer away from car-centric America. They like the convenience and flexibility that apps like Lyft and Uber offer.
12. Dash Cam
If you’re driving a car, dash cams have become very important today. Dash cams are small cameras installed in the dashboard of the car, which is where they got their name. They can also be installed on the windscreen and the rear-view mirror.
Gen Z, who live in the world of digital devices, love to record everything. Dash cams record what happens on the road and the videos can serve as protection for the drivers. While boomers also use them, they’re a lot more used by younger generations, including Gen Z.
13. Doorbell Camera
With the rise of deliveries, from food to parcels of all sizes and types, porch pirates became infamous. Porch pirates are thieves who steal delivered parcels right off your front step.
Gen Z is comfortable with digital devices and highly receptive to security cameras like doorbell cameras. You’d find so many doorbell camera clips online.
14. Streaming Services
Gen Z likes subscribing to streaming services like Amazon Prime, HBO, and Netflix to watch TV shows and movies. Compared to traditional TV, Gen Z prefers video streaming because that’s what they grew up with.
Boomers are more familiar with cable TV and can’t imagine paying for multiple subscriptions. However, Gen Z can’t imagine life without the streaming services they’re used to.
15. Social Media Platforms
Gen Z are the top users of social media platforms and they are comfortable sharing their lives online compared to the older generations, especially the baby boomers. A Statista survey claims that Gen Z used YouTube at least once a day in the past month. TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit come close.
Gen Z can’t imagine a life before social media, which comes easily to baby boomers. Checking their social media account seems to be an every day task.
16. Video Games
Gen Z is known to spend more time in the world of video games. According to a Deloitte study, they play games not just for entertainment but also to express themselves and build connections.
Gen Z grew up indoors, so it’s not surprising that video games became their primary pastime. A Guardian report states that video games provide a sense of control and freedom they cannot find elsewhere. Fortnite and Minecraft are among their favorite games.
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