The transition between generations is rarely a sudden shift; rather, it is a gradual evolution of style, humor, and lifestyle choices. For years, Millennials were the primary trendsetters of the digital age, defining what was “cool” from the early days of social media. However, as Gen Z has come into its own, a new set of cultural standards has emerged. Many outdated Millennial habits that were once considered the gold standard of online and offline behavior are now being politely—or sometimes not so politely—sidelined by the younger generation.
Understanding these shifts isn’t just about fashion or emojis; it is about recognizing how our collective values are changing. While Millennials revolutionized the way we connect, Gen Z is refining that connection with a focus on authenticity, comfort, and a rejection of the performative standards that dominated the 2010s.
What Are Outdated Millennial Habits?
When we talk about outdated Millennial habits, we are referring to specific cultural markers, aesthetic preferences, and social behaviors that became synonymous with those born between 1981 and 1996. These habits often reflect the era of the “Instagram Aesthetic”—a time when everything needed to look perfect, curated, and highly polished. As the digital landscape matures, these once-trendy behaviors are increasingly viewed as “cringe” or simply out of touch with the current preference for raw, unfiltered, and effortless expression.
1. Using Cringe Laughing Emojis
For a long time, the “Face with Tears of Joy” emoji was the undisputed king of digital laughter. Millennials used it to react to everything from a witty tweet to a funny cat video. However, Gen Z has largely retired this particular icon, often labeling it as “cringe.” In its place, the younger generation has adopted a more ironic or dramatic visual language.
You might notice younger users responding to humor with the skull emoji or even the loud crying face. This shift signals a move toward hyperbole in digital communication. While the traditional laughing emoji feels a bit too earnest for the modern web, these new alternatives allow for a more nuanced, self-aware sense of humor that feels more at home in today’s fast-paced internet culture.
2. Excessive Side Parting Hairstyles
There was a time when a deep side part was the ultimate hair goal, often paired with voluminous layers or a sleek bob. It was the “cool girl” look for over a decade. But if you walk through a college campus today, you will notice a significant shift toward the middle part. Gen Z has embraced the symmetry of the center part, viewing it as a cleaner and more modern way to frame the face.
The side part hasn’t disappeared entirely, but it has certainly lost its status as the default choice. For many younger people, the side part represents an era of trying too hard to create a specific silhouette. The middle part, by contrast, feels more relaxed and effortless, aligning with the broader trend of “undone” beauty that prioritizes natural textures over highly engineered styles.
3. Wearing Skinny Denim Jeans
Perhaps no wardrobe staple is more synonymous with the Millennial era than skinny jeans. For years, they were the foundation of almost every outfit, regardless of the occasion. However, the fashion world has moved toward a much wider, more relaxed silhouette. Gen Z has championed “mom jeans,” “baggy fits,” and “straight-leg” cuts, effectively pushing skinny denim to the back of the closet.
This change is rooted in a desire for comfort and a rejection of the rigid body standards of the early 2000s. While skinny jeans were often about creating a specific, tight-fitting shape, modern denim trends allow for more movement and a sense of individuality. It is less about fitting into a narrow definition of style and more about feeling at ease in what you are wearing.
4. Prioritizing Toxic Hustle Culture
Millennials grew up in an era that glamorized the “grind.” The idea was that if you weren’t working late, side-hustling, and constantly optimizing your productivity, you weren’t trying hard enough. We saw the rise of phrases like “Rise and Grind” and the celebration of the 24/7 work cycle. Today, Gen Z is leading a quiet revolution against this toxic hustle culture.
Instead of measuring worth by productivity, younger workers are prioritizing mental health, boundaries, and work-life balance. They are more likely to discuss “quiet quitting” or the importance of “soft life” aesthetics. This shift reflects a growing understanding that constant stress isn’t a badge of honor, but rather a recipe for burnout. The goal is no longer just to work hard, but to live well.
5. Posting Overly Filtered Photos
In the mid-2010s, Instagram was a sea of Valencia filters and heavily edited landscapes. Every photo had to be bright, saturated, and perfectly composed. This “curated feed” look is one of the most prominent outdated Millennial habits that Gen Z has rejected in favor of the “photo dump” and the “unfiltered” look.
The modern aesthetic is all about authenticity. Blurry photos, candid shots, and a lack of obvious editing are now the signs of a cool social media presence. Gen Z values the “vibe” over perfection, preferring to show a life that feels lived-in rather than a life that has been staged for an audience. This move toward realism has made social media feel a little less like a competition and a little more like a digital scrapbook.
6. Using Outdated Internet Slang
Language moves faster than ever in the digital age, and nothing dates someone quite like using slang from five years ago. Terms like “doggo,” “adulting,” and “girlboss,” which were once staples of the Millennial vocabulary, have largely fallen out of favor. Using these terms today can make a person seem out of touch with the current cultural conversation.
Gen Z slang tends to be more rhythmic and often draws from niche internet subcultures or AAVE (African American Vernacular English), though its use is widespread across the generation. The key difference is the speed at which words enter and exit the “cool” zone. Keeping up can be a challenge, but for many, the avoidance of older slang is a way to stay relevant in an ever-changing landscape.
7. Caring About Corporate Loyalty
The idea of staying with one company for twenty years and retiring with a gold watch feels like a relic of a distant past. While Millennials were already starting to job-hop more than their parents, Gen Z has taken this a step further by completely dismantling the idea of corporate loyalty. They view employment as a transactional relationship rather than a core part of their identity.
With the rise of the gig economy and a heightened awareness of corporate instability, younger professionals are more focused on skill-building and personal growth than climbing a single corporate ladder. They are quick to leave environments that don’t align with their values or offer fair compensation. This pragmatism is a healthy response to a shifting economy, emphasizing that the individual’s well-being should always come before the company’s bottom line.
Moving Forward with Modern Perspectives
Generational shifts are a natural part of our social fabric, and reflecting on these outdated Millennial habits isn’t about criticizing the past. Instead, it is an opportunity to see how we are growing. Millennials paved the way for the digital lives we lead today, and Gen Z is simply taking those tools and using them to build a world that feels a bit more authentic, comfortable, and balanced.
Whether you are still rocking your skinny jeans or you’ve fully embraced the baggy pant revolution, the most important thing is to remain open to new perspectives. After all, today’s trends will eventually become tomorrow’s “outdated” habits, and the cycle of creativity and change will continue to keep life interesting.
