The author explores the generational divide between Millennials and Gen Z, specifically on TikTok. They analyze videos labeled as "Millennial core" and find that they often feature adults acting childishly, which may be perceived as "cringy" by Gen Z. However, the author notes that this type of humor is not representative of all Millennials, but rather a specific subset of "former theater kid Millennials" who refuse to grow up. The author criticizes their own generation, Gen Z, for mocking and belittling Millennials, and argues that this cycle of generational hatred is pointless and distracting. They suggest that instead of perpetuating this cycle, the focus should be on supporting and uplifting the next generation, Gen Alpha, who face unique challenges due to COVID and the internet.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. Millennials were born between 1981 and 1996.
2. Gen Z were born between 1997 and 2012.
3. The author of the text identifies as an older Gen Z, who remembers when Minecraft was released and when Black Friday deals were worth pitching tents outside of Best Buy for.
4. The author claims to have more in common with Millennials than with the youngest Gen Z, who is currently 11 years old.
5. The text mentions that some Millennials are perceived as "cringy" by Gen Z, with behaviors such as using baby voices, being overly enthusiastic, and acting childish.
6. The author suggests that the perception of Millennials as "cringy" may be due to a specific subset of Millennials who refuse to grow up and start adulting.
7. The text mentions that this subset of Millennials may have been negatively affected by the cold parenting style of their Gen X and Boomer parents.
8. The author notes that not all Millennials exhibit this behavior, and that some are more active on social media, which can create a skewed perception of the generation as a whole.
9. The text mentions that Gen Z and Millennials share similar childhood experiences, such as using flip phones and watching cartoons on VHS tapes.
10. The author suggests that the generational feud between Millennials and Gen Z is pointless and distracting, and that it would be better for people to come together and focus on common issues.