How Teens Today Are Different from Past Generations

Every generation of teens is shaped by the world around them, and this one is no different. Our present generation is the first of its kind whose lives are completely intertwined with mobile technology and social media. 

Let's dive into how today's teens are different from older generations.

Technology and Communication

In the past, people didn't have the technology we have now. They used what they had on hand and connected face-to-face in school or community gatherings. Trusting someone new was tough for them, and they found it a little difficult to adjust to different attitudes and beliefs.

Today, teens are glued to their phones. They don’t even know their phone numbers because they rarely make phone calls. Instead, when meeting someone new, they exchange Instagram handles or Snapchat usernames.

This change in communication has a big impact on how teens form relationships and build trust. Unlike older generations, who had to interact in person to get to know each other, today’s teens can engage with someone through their social media profiles. They see photos, status updates, and comments, which can give them a sense of who the person is before they even meet face-to-face.

New Words and Expressions

Teens are incredibly creative, especially with language. They invent new words and phrases to express themselves in ways that are unique to their generation. Here are some words they use:

• AMOSC: Add me on Snapchat
• Bad: Good
• Bruh: Bro/Brother
• Curve: To reject someone
• Don’t @ me: Don’t call me out/don’t disagree
• Finna: I’m going to
• Finsta: Fake Instagram
• GOAT: Greatest of all time
• Gucci: Good
• I’m weak/dead: That’s so funny
• Savage: Bold, strong
• Low key: Secretive
• High key: When everyone should know something
• Shipped: In a relationship
• Sus: Shady, suspicious, sketchy

These new terms reflect the culture and values of today’s teens. For instance, calling someone the "GOAT" (the greatest of all time) shows how much they admire them. Using “savage” to describe someone means they think the person is bold and strong. These words help teens communicate quickly and effectively, especially in text messages and social media posts.

Emojis, Memes, and GIFs

While teens are inventive with words, they don’t always need them. They often use emojis, memes, and GIFs to quickly express complex emotions. If you look at any teen text conversation, you’ll see it’s full of these visual tools. They help teens process and share information quickly.

For example, instead of typing out "I'm laughing so hard," a teen might use a laughing emoji or a funny meme. This visual shorthand makes communication faster and more engaging. It also allows teens to convey emotions that might be hard to put into words. A simple emoji can show happiness, sadness, frustration, or excitement in an instant.

Memes and GIFs are also a big part of teen communication. Memes are humorous images or videos that spread rapidly online, often with variations. GIFs are short, looping videos that capture a moment or reaction. Teens use these to add humour and personality to their conversations. A well-chosen meme or GIF can make a message more memorable and entertaining.

Open-Mindedness

Teens today are more open-minded on topics like same-sex marriage, different sexual orientations, and mixed-race dating. This makes sense because today’s teens are the most racially diverse generation in America. Nearly half of their generation is non-white, 81% have friends of different races, and 35% have dated someone of another race.

Sydney, a 16-year-old, said, “Most kids like myself, especially those in an urban environment, care about the rights of themselves and others who don’t look like them or share similar attributes. That’s why we actually go out and protest at City Hall. It’s hard for adults who are stuck in their ways to see when change is necessary.”

This open-mindedness extends to many areas of life. Teens are more accepting of different lifestyles and beliefs. They support movements for equality and justice, and they aren’t afraid to speak out against injustice. Social media plays a big role in this, as it allows teens to connect with others who share their views and to organize and participate in activism.

Mental Health Awareness

Another significant difference between today’s teens and older generations is their awareness of mental health. Teens today are more open about discussing mental health issues and seeking help. They use social media to share their experiences and support each other. This openness helps reduce the stigma around mental health and encourages more teens to seek help when they need it.

In the past, mental health was often a taboo topic. People didn’t talk about their struggles, and there was a lot of shame associated with seeking help. 

Today, teens are changing that. They understand that mental health is just as important as their physical health and are more willing to reach out for support.

Academic and Career Pressures

Today’s teens also face different pressures when it comes to academics and careers. They are expected to excel in school, participate in extracurricular activities, and plan for their future careers from a young age. This can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety as teens feel the pressure to succeed and compete with their peers.

The older generation dealt with their pressures differently; however, now the landscape has changed. The job market is more competitive, and higher education is more expensive. Teens today have to navigate these challenges while also dealing with the constant presence of social media and societal pressures, which can add to their stress.

Conclusion

Today's teens live in a world full of technology and rapid communication. They are creative with language, quick with visual communication, and open-minded about social issues. They are also more aware of mental health and face significant academic and career pressures. Understanding these differences can help bridge the gap between generations and foster better connections. By appreciating the unique experiences and perspectives of today’s teens, we can support them as they navigate their complex world.