It’s no secret that teenagers can sometimes be remarkably unaware of the world around them. As a young person myself, I can admit to this truth. Especially considering that Generation Z and Generation Alpha have grown up immersed in digital technology, their understanding of a pre-internet era might seem limited, which can sometimes make them appear less informed on certain topics.
However, humility is key, and seeking guidance from older generations-yes, including Millennials-is essential for growth. Recently, we reached out to the BuzzFeed Community to share the most out-of-touch comments they’ve heard from teenagers, and the responses were quite astonishing. Here’s a collection of some of the most eye-opening remarks…
1.
“I was helping my 16-year-old niece analyze her short story essay for literature class. She kept dismissing the assignment, claiming that ‘analyzing stories or writing essays is pointless after college unless you’re a writer or something. Who even cares? Plus, you can just find a TikTok explaining the story or ask ChatGPT to do it for you.’ It’s alarming how many young people think this way. But literary analysis and essay writing are fundamental skills that sharpen critical thinking. Relying on AI to craft arguments or accepting internet summaries as truth is quite concerning.”
“I genuinely hope that Generation Alpha and Beta steer clear of over-reliance on AI and advanced technology, or we might be in trouble.”
-georgiajaymes
2.
“At work, we had a training session on preventing burnout. The trainer, who was in her early 20s, suggested taking a 15-minute break every hour, on top of our full lunch break. It never occurred to her that if we have time to take so many breaks, we probably aren’t at risk of burnout.”
-noimpillagingeverybody
3.
“As a teacher, I notice my students seem indifferent to most subjects. They dream of fame, believing they don’t need math, and when I mention how difficult it is to become famous, they respond, ‘My mom will support me.’ They’re often surprised when I talk about my own love for reading for pleasure.”
-suspiciouselephants
4.
“A teenager in Generation Z told me, ‘I didn’t consent to watching a sex scene’ after seeing Bridgerton. I told them, ‘Just turn it off then.’ It’s a reminder that media choices are personal-no one is forcing you to watch something.”
-michelangelofangirl
5.
“Right after COVID lockdowns, a young person told me, ‘You wouldn’t understand; my generation has been through so much.’ I pointed out that, as someone older and still alive, I’ve also experienced those hardships-and many more. They didn’t seem to get it.”
-aa24639
6.
“Once, a teenager asked me if you need to go to college to become a doctor. When I said ‘Yes,’ they responded, ‘Then never mind.'”
-crunchychicken676
7.
“My younger brother-in-law, in his early 30s and unemployed at the time, wanted to live off investments like I do. Meanwhile, I’m 65, retired, and earning both a pension and investment income.”
-rupert38
8.
“Whenever I thank a young person, they often reply with ‘No problem.’ Whatever happened to saying ‘You’re welcome’? It feels dismissive and impolite, like a casual ‘Hello’ followed by a nonchalant ‘Whatever.'”
-sassyghoul20
9.
“I mentioned my rent to a 17-year-old, and she responded, ‘You mean you have to pay to live there?'”
-surprisedwolf541
10.
“Some teens say, ‘I voted for Trump because *insert TikTok-inspired reason*.'”
-lawyerlady1
11.
“Growing up in parochial schools, I learned cursive handwriting, which I still use to write notes to my children and grandchildren. Sadly, many of their children can’t read cursive anymore, so they have to ask their parents to translate my notes. It’s a real loss for literacy and tradition.”
-luckyship253
“I still write in cursive regularly, but I often hear comments like ‘Write normally,’ which is disheartening.”
-deliciouskitten62
12.
“Many young people expect high salaries right out of the gate. I once interviewed a 23-year-old for an entry-level assistant role, and they demanded $120,000 a year, despite the job being 40 hours a week with no overtime or weekends. I told them to stay at their current job if they’re already earning that much.”
-whatever19
13.
“It frustrates me that the younger generation relies so heavily on machines for thinking. Back in high school, I learned to use my imagination for critical thinking and writing, which helped me become a good writer. It seems many young people today haven’t developed these skills.”
-dazzlingsunflower777
14.
“In the past, if students had their phones out at school, they’d be confiscated, and parents would have to retrieve them. Now, students seem to lack basic social skills, often mimicking social media behavior in real life, which doesn’t translate well.”
“Social media antics don’t always work in face-to-face interactions, and it’s embarrassing to see this decline.”
-bibblehedizzl
Now, share your thoughts: what’s the most clueless or ignorant thing you’ve heard a young person say? Drop your comments or take this quick poll!
And don’t forget to check out BuzzFeed Canada on TikTok and Instagram for more updates!
Note: Some responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.
