Gen Z are teaching their elders how to use TikTok and air fryers

The results are in

A poll of 2,000 Brits revealed what Millennials and Boomers have learnt from those younger than them, and it’s not just what you’d expect.  

Life lessons from youngsters have included how to say ‘no’ without guilt, open up about mental health and embrace body positivity.

Gen Zs (13–28-year-olds) have even shared knowledge with elders about finances, such as how to invest via apps and create a side hustle.

The research was commissioned by Leo UK as part of its annual PopPulse report which looks at intergenerational influence as a whole and discusses how the flow of wisdom is no longer top-down, but multidirectional.

From the poll, more than three quarters (77 per cent) of adults who are older than 28 years old have taken influence from Gen Zs.

And 15 per cent have even asked a youngster where to go on a first date.

On average, advice is shared once a week, despite only 24 per cent of Gen Zs feeling confident giving guidance to older generations.

Lilli English, chief strategy officer for Leo UK, said: “We set out to understand Gen Z’s influence - and ended up rethinking it completely.

"The research shows they’re not the detached, digital bubble they’re so often made out to be, but the ones quietly keeping things together - connecting families, keeping friendships afloat, finding balance in the mess.

"They’re helping the nation adapt to the chaos of modern life in small, human ways, a far richer story than the tired generational divide we keep hearing about.”

The research also found 72 per cent of Gen Zs reckon the world would be a better place if their generation was listened to more.

And 77 per cent believe different age groups have more in common than they realise.

Similarly, nine in 10 (93 per cent) of those polled via OnePoll believe every generation should be open to learning from one another.

Of those who take advice from the young group, 35 per cent see it as a positive because younger people bring fresh perspectives.  

Others believe wisdom isn’t only tied to age and everyone has something to offer (27 per cent), while 25 per cent said youngsters’ energy and enthusiasm can be inspiring (25 per cent).

Top 20 things Gen Z are showing older adults

1.     How to use TikTok

2.     How to take better selfies 

3.     How to use emojis correctly      

4.     How to use slang like “rizz” and “delulu”  

5.     How to create a meme

6.     How to say “no” without guilt   

7.     How to live in the moment

8.     How to do a skincare routine 

9.     How to use an air fryer  

10.  How to dance

11.  How to invest via apps  

12.  How to create a side hustle      

13.  How to monetise hobbies          

14.  How to use pronouns respectfully          

15.  How to be more inclusive

16.  How to open up about mental health    

17.  How to be more eco-conscious  

18.  How to embrace individuality    

19.  How to embrace body positivity

20.  How to improve work-life balance