"Cringe! How millennials became uncool" - TheGuardian

Once the cultural tastemakers of the internet age, millennials have now become the butt of the joke — especially among Gen Z, who see their older peers as the embodiment of “cringe.” The article traces how the generation that popularized Instagram filters, skinny jeans, and avocado toast has lost its cool factor, replaced by a Gen Z aesthetic defined by irony, chaos, and digital fluency. On TikTok and other social platforms, Gen Z users gleefully mock millennial staples — from side parts and motivational quotes to selfie poses and outdated emojis.

This shift isn’t just about style; it’s about worldview. Millennials came of age during a time of optimism and curation, while Gen Z grew up amid climate anxiety, political polarization, and social media saturation. Their humor reflects that — more absurd, self-aware, and deliberately unpolished. Where millennials valued authenticity and hustle culture, Gen Z prefers detachment, parody, and playful nihilism.

The article suggests that this generational turnover is natural — every cohort eventually becomes what they once rebelled against. Yet there’s also a certain freedom in being “cringe.” Many millennials have stopped chasing trends and embraced comfort, stability, and self-knowledge. As one interviewee puts it, “Not caring about being cool anymore might be the coolest thing about being a millennial right now.”

Original Article: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/08/cringe-how-millennials-became-uncool