Gen Z is a generation full of surprises. They are the people who text “I’m on my way!” while still lying in bed, trying to convince themselves to get up. They love to joke about being broke but will still spend $50 on a scented candle that “smells like a peaceful forest.” They believe that making things aesthetic is a personality trait—because if something doesn’t look good, is it even worth having?
They are unpredictable, always looking for the next trend, and sometimes wise (but usually by accident). They find deep meaning in memes, have entire conversations using emojis, and think therapy is too expensive but will happily buy a new gadget that they don’t need.
But what are some classic things a Gen Z would do? Let’s dive into their world and break it down!
1. Googling “How to get rich overnight” while lying on the bed
Gen Z loves the idea of making money—but actually working for it? Eh, not so much. Instead of starting a savings plan or learning investment strategies, they prefer the shortcut approach. Late at night, while wrapped in a blanket like a burrito, they type into Google:
- “How to make passive income without doing anything?”
- “Easiest way to become a millionaire?”
- “Can I get rich just by manifesting it?”
They want results without the grind. They dream of waking up one morning with a sudden bank balance of $1 million—preferably without leaving the comfort of their bed. Hustle culture? Sounds exhausting. They’d rather hope for a lucky break, a viral trend, or a mysterious billionaire relative to magically appear and leave them an inheritance.
Moral Lesson:
Dreaming big is great, but success requires effort. Unless you invent the next meme cryptocurrency that unexpectedly skyrockets in value , you’ll need to build real skills and put in the work. Luck helps, but effort wins.
2. Saying “I’m broke” while holding an overpriced iced coffee
Gen Z loves to say, “I have no money!” But do they mean it? Not always. Because right after saying this, they will:
- Buy a $7 iced coffee with extra whipped cream and caramel drizzle.
- Order food delivery even though there’s food at home.
- Spend $30 on a trendy water bottle because “hydration is important.”
Their financial logic is unique. They won’t pay $1 for extra cloud storage but will happily spend $8 on changing their username in a video game. They complain that rent is too high but somehow own 17 different types of lip gloss. Their bank balance may be low, but their spending habits are high.
Moral Lesson:
Budgeting isn’t boring—it helps you actually have money when you need it. A little financial planning today means fewer “I’m broke” moments tomorrow. Also, maybe skip that extra caramel drizzle sometimes. Just saying.
3. Having a mental breakdown but calling it “a little reset”
Gen Z doesn’t like to say, “I’m struggling”. Instead, they give their problems fancy names to make them sound cool. Feeling sad? They call it “a little emotional reset.” Overwhelmed with life? It’s just “character development.” Completely exhausted? They say, “I’m in my flop era.”
Instead of talking about their problems, they prefer to:
- Listen to sad music and stare at the ceiling like they’re in a movie.
- Post a moody Instagram caption like “Just me, myself, and my overthinking brain.”
- Make a self-care plan but never actually follow it.
- Scroll through social media, liking posts about “protecting your peace”, while avoiding real conversations.
They romanticize their sadness like it’s part of a dramatic TV show. But here’s the truth—life is not a Netflix series. Problems don’t disappear just because you add an aesthetic filter to them.
Moral Lesson:
It’s okay to admit when you’re struggling. You don’t have to call it “a reset”. Sometimes, you just need to talk to someone, ask for help, and take real steps to feel better. Sad playlists and mood boards won’t fix everything—real support will.
4. Shopping online at 3 AM and regretting it at 7 AM
Gen Z at night: “Let me just check out this sale real quick.”
Gen Z in the morning: “Why did I buy a glow-in-the-dark toilet seat?”
Late at night, when the world is quiet and their brain is half asleep, they make the worst financial decisions. Midnight scrolling always starts innocently—maybe they’re just looking at funny TikToks or checking out new sneakers. But somehow, 30 minutes later, their cart is full of the weirdest things ever:
- A blanket with sleeves (because normal blankets are too mainstream).
- A glow-in-the-dark keyboard (because typing in the dark is a life skill, apparently).
- A cat water fountain (but wait… they don’t even own a cat).
At 3 AM, everything seems like a great idea. But then comes 7 AM—the moment of regret. They wake up, check their email, and see an order confirmation for $85 worth of unnecessary items. That’s when reality hits: “Did I really spend money on this?” Existential crisis unlocked.
Moral Lesson:
Your 3 AM brain is not your financial advisor. If you wouldn’t buy it at 3 PM, don’t buy it at 3 AM. Sleep first, shop later. Your wallet will thank you.
5. Sending memes instead of expressing emotions
Gen Z doesn’t like to say “I love you”, “I miss you”, or “I care about you.” That’s too serious for them. Instead, they send you:
- A meme about two dumb best friends if they appreciate you.
- A TikTok with “This is so us” if they really like you.
- A GIF of a crying cat if they’re having a bad day but don’t want to talk about it.
For them, memes = emotions. If a Gen Z keeps sending you funny reels, congrats! You’re important to them. That’s their way of saying, “I’m thinking about you.”
But the downside? Sometimes, they avoid real conversations by hiding behind jokes. Instead of saying, “I’m struggling,” they’ll send a “haha life is a joke” meme. Instead of apologizing, they’ll drop a “Sorry, but look at this funny dog video.”
Moral Lesson:
Memes are great, but real conversations matter too. Sometimes, a message saying “Hey, how are you?” means more than 10 funny TikToks. And please, call your mom before she starts forwarding weird WhatsApp conspiracy theories again.
7. Getting attached to things like it’s a K-Drama
Gen Z likes to act chill and unbothered, but the truth? They get attached way too easily—to people, objects, even fictional characters. They don’t just own things; they form emotional bonds with them.
- That childhood stuffed toy? Still sleeps with it every night (yes, even at 25).
- That hoodie from 2015? It’s a part of their personality now—never getting rid of it.
- That friendship bracelet from a school trip? A priceless treasure that will be kept forever (even if it’s falling apart).
- That water bottle with stickers? Feels like a close friend at this point.
They don’t just buy things—they adopt them. If you gift them something meaningful, they will treasure it forever like it belongs in a museum. Even if it’s just a random receipt from a fun day out, they might keep it in a memory box (just in case they need to relive the moment someday).
And don’t even get them started on fictional characters—losing a favorite TV show character? Emotional damage for life.
Moral Lesson:
Being sentimental is sweet, and memories matter. But sometimes, it’s okay to let go (except for that childhood teddy bear—keep that forever).
Conclusion: The Beautiful Chaos of Gen Z
Gen Z is a walking contradiction—chaotic but caring, broke but always shopping, unbothered but deeply emotional. They overthink everything, overshop at 3 AM, overshare on social media, and overattach to random objects (yes, that one hoodie from 2015 is staying forever).
But beyond the memes and iced coffee addiction, Gen Z is passionate, creative, and fearless. They love deeply, care genuinely, and stand up for what matters—whether it’s protecting their friends, fighting for social justice, or simply making sure their pet fish is emotionally supported.
The world may not always understand your chaos, but honestly? That’s what makes you awesome.