Harshee's Lit Lounge

I have been meaning to talk about something that’s been brewing online (and offline) for a while now: the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) rivalry between Millennials and Gen Z. You’ve seen the memes, the think pieces, the TikToks. But the real question is, why do Millennials often act like they’re the “superior generation”?

Now, this isn’t a roast. We’re not here to cancel anyone. But seriously—why the constant need to point out how “different” or “less mature” Gen Z is? Aren’t we all kind of… the same?

Let’s look at the facts. Both generations are chronically online. Both have deep nostalgia for childhood shows. Both are obsessed with memes. Both fight burnout culture, live under the weight of late capitalism, and have mastered the art of talking in abbreviations in response to a single message. So, why do so many Millennials feel the need to put Gen Z down?

Is it insecurity? A resistance to feeling “older”? Or maybe just plain ol’ internet banter gone too far?

Millennials grew up in a rapidly changing world—dial-up internet, the rise of social media, economic liberation in the 90s, KRK’s actor era. They had to navigate adult life while the world was just starting to evolve. Gen Z inherited that same world, but with even less stability. Maybe that’s why Gen Z seems bolder, more cynical, more ready to burn things down and start fresh. We’re not apathetic—we’re just exhausted, too.

But that boldness? That humor that’s too dry for its own good? That deep love for absurdity and authenticity? It’s not immaturity. It’s adaptation.

So, Millennials, i ask this again: Why the superiority complex? Why paint Gen Z as chaotic or unserious when we’re using the tools you gave us—memes, irony, digital fluency—to survive?

Of course, your shows and films are better than ours, your music is better then ours, your friendships were better than ours and how could we ever forget, how much you guys struggled which automatically makes you better than us! (Please note the sarcasm, Gen-Zs 😃).

Just a thought though, what if we stopped trying to one-up each other and started recognizing the shared struggles we both face? What if we actually teamed up instead of competing?

Because, I know that in a few years, us Gen Zs will be just as bad—if not worse— to the next generation!

So, to both generations: What do we gain from throwing shade at each other? And more importantly—what could we build if we stopped?

Let’s talk about it.