Psychology says every generation secretly believes the next one is ‘ruining society’: From Baby Boomers t

May 14, 2026 - 02:12

From Baby Boomers criticizing Millennials for eating avocado toast to Gen Z mocking Boomers for their Facebook memes, the cycle of generational conflict feels almost inevitable. But psychology suggests this tension runs deeper than mere annoyance over fashion or slang. According to researchers, the belief that the next generation is somehow ruining society is a predictable pattern rooted in fear of change and the need to protect one's own identity.

When older generations see younger people adopting new technologies, values or social norms, it can feel like a direct challenge to the world they built. Psychologists call this "identity threat." The older group has invested decades in a set of rules and customs, so any deviation feels like a betrayal or a sign of decline. Meanwhile, younger generations grow up in a different reality, shaped by different economic conditions, media landscapes and cultural pressures. Their priorities naturally shift, which older eyes often interpret as laziness, entitlement or moral decay.

This conflict is also fueled by a simple cognitive bias: people tend to remember their own youth through a rose-colored lens. They forget the rebellious trends they once embraced and instead focus on the perceived flaws of those who came after. The result is a repeating loop where each generation accuses the next of breaking something precious, even though the same accusation was once leveled at them. Understanding this cycle doesn't erase the frustration, but it does reveal that the fear of "ruining society" is less about actual damage and more about the discomfort of watching the world change without your permission.