The Most Out-Of-Touch Things Younger Generations Say: A Hilarious Take from Older Adults
In a recent Reddit thread sparked by user u/AgentJ691, older adults opened up about some of the most outlandish comments they’ve heard from younger individuals. As a member of Gen Z myself, I couldn’t help but chuckle (and cringe a little) at the responses shared. Here, we’ve curated a list of the most eyebrow-raising confessions that might just make you roll your eyes too!
1. AI for Homework?
A Redditor recounted how a young person expressed sympathy for the older generation, suggesting they must have struggled without AI for homework assistance. The older adult’s response? "True, but we actually learned things." The young person then quite bewilderingly asked, "Why does that matter?" Seriously?
Learn more about the impact of AI on education and how it’s reshaping learning.
2. The History of Rice
One older individual shared a shocking statement made by a teenager who asserted that rice was a "pretty new" addition to the American diet, claiming that 40 years ago, “most Americans would have heard of rice but few would have had it in their pantries.” Rice! The thinking here is so far from the truth, it’s almost comedic.
Discover the history of rice and its global significance.
3. The "Easy" Early 2000s
Another gem comes from someone who heard that the early 2000s were an “easy” time to live in. This casual observation led to a reminder about the turbulent post-9/11 atmosphere—and yes, it was anything but a chill vibe!
4. Parenting Rights
One older educator faced a baffling situation when a 27-year-old parent insisted she was the only authority for her 13-year-old child. She requested that if her daughter chose not to do math homework, there should be no consequences in the form of bad grades. Wait, what?
5. Misconceptions of Text Communication
A young person declared that it was impossible to convey a condescending tone through text since "it’s not speech." If only they knew how many eyes have rolled when reading grounded critiques online!
6. Job Performance Remarks
A relatable moment was shared whereby an older worker faced the blunt assertion from a younger colleague that “layoffs don’t affect the ones who are good at their work.” Ah, the naiveté! Maybe focus on showing up on time first, right?
7. Punctuation as Aggression
Imagine being told that ending a sentence with a period is considered “aggressive.” Yes, because clarity and assertiveness are so threatening nowadays.
8. Rural Challenges
One person highlighted the stark differences between their upbringing in an isolated, small town and the experiences of today’s youth. “I literally did not understand the world outside of that town until I got into the military…” This underscores the historical isolation many faced long before the internet connected us all.
9. Retirement Dreams
One 25-year-old expressed a wish to retire by age 30. The older adult replied with a protective, "Aww, that’s cute." Retirement at 30? It sounds like a fairytale, doesn’t it?
10. Living on Mars
This one takes the cake: “If we ruin this planet, we can just go live on Mars!” Talk about sci-fi fantasies meeting reality.
11. Potty Training Simplified
A 16-year-old, during a family gathering, asked why parents couldn’t just tell toddlers to use the toilet since they were “really easy to use.” Ah, the complexities of child-rearing, simplified!
12. Computers at Work
A 20-something asked if the office had computers when the older employee started working. The elder pointed out that he began his career in 2016. Technology evolves quickly, but come on!
13. Tech Novice Claims
A classic comment came from someone insisting that older generations don’t understand technology, to which the veteran replied, “We invented this stuff!”
14. Misguided Military Aspirations
One touching yet shocking story involved a young boy wishing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan weren’t over by the time he could enlist, all while his older relative was recovering from war injuries. Youthful naiveté meets stark reality.
15. Easier "Old Days"
A poignant reflection came from an elder pointing out how younger folks romanticize the past, saying, “Life was never easy: we lived through the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and so much more.”
16. Dress Code Dilemma
And oh, the fashion faux pas! When informed of a dress code change to ban jeans for client meetings, a team member admitted he owned nothing but jeans. Really? Time to expand that wardrobe.
17. Politics Dismissed
One individual admitted he didn’t care about politics because it "doesn’t affect me.” Ah, the disconnect!
18. Responsibility in Jobs
Lastly, one discussion highlighted a Gen Z individual who loved the idea of work but recoiled at responsibility—the very definition of a job! Reality check needed!
Join the Conversation!
What’s the most out-of-touch comment you’ve heard from a younger person? Share your thoughts in the comments or feel free to submit your story anonymously using the form below.
Note: Some submissions have been edited for length and clarity.
In a rapidly changing world, these anecdotes serve as a bridge across generations, offering laughter and maybe even some vital lessons. What do you think?
