Here are some conversation starters for Gen Z. Remember, these folks practically speak a whole new dialect, so a little effort goes a long way.
Deciphering the Lingo:
Let’s face it, us oldies aren’t exactly fluent in “Yeet” or “Bussin'”. So, ask them to explain their favorite Gen Z slang term. You might be surprised to learn it’s not all about roasting people (though, let’s be real, some of it is). This is a great way to show you’re interested in their world and not a total relic. (Bonus points for using the term incorrectly in your next sentence. Watch the confusion unfold!)
Side Hustle Superstars:
Gen Z is all about the side hustle. Forget the lemonade stand, these kids are building empires on Etsy or streaming on Twitch. Ask them about their side hustles. You might discover the next tech prodigy or a fashion designer with a killer Depop shop. (Who knows, maybe you can finally get a decent pair of ironic socks!)
Championing Causes:
This generation is hyper-aware of social issues. Ask them about a cause they’re passionate about, whether it’s climate change, mental health awareness, or animal rights. You might be surprised by their depth of knowledge and commitment to making a difference. (Just be prepared for a lecture on the ethical sourcing of your favorite fast fashion brand…oops!)
Meme Masters:
Gen Z practically invented meme culture. Ask them about their favorite meme or meme creator. You’ll get a crash course in internet humor and a glimpse into what makes them tick. (Be warned, you might be exposed to some seriously dank memes that make you question your entire sense of humor.)
Cancel Culture Connoisseurs:
This is a tricky one, but tread carefully. Ask them about cancel culture, not to pick a fight, but to understand their perspective. It’s a complex issue, and Gen Z is right in the thick of it. (Just avoid bringing up your questionable taste in music from the 80s…unless you’re looking for a history lesson on why those leggings were a crime.)
Remember, this is all about having fun, so keep it light and be prepared to learn something new. These Gen Zers are the future, after all, and who knows, you might even pick up some cool slang or discover your next favorite social justice warrior. (Just don’t blame me when you accidentally call your boss “sus”.)
Or Here’s a Bunch of Silly Random Questions for Gen Z
If you could bring back one outdated technology trend (like dial-up internet or pagers) for a day, what would it be and why?
If colors had personalities, what would they argue about?
Imagine you go back in time to the 90s and you need to explain a modern app (like TikTok or Snapchat) to your parents. How would you do it?
What’s the most low-key impressive thing you can do with your phone that older generations might not even realize is possible?
If you had to choose one to go without for a week, would you rather give up your smartphone or your hearing?
Can you explain the plot to your favorite movie to me using only emojis?
Are you able to show by demonstration, how to do the Electric Slide?
Imagine you could create a time capsule filled with things that represent the best parts of your life right now. What would you put inside?
What’s the most cringe-worthy trend you’ve seen your peers embrace?
If you could invent a new holiday, what would it celebrate and how would we celebrate it?
Would you rather fight 100 duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck? And why?
If you could swap lives with any social media influencer for a day, who would it be and what would you do?
Can you make a convincing conspiracy theory about why avocados are so expensive?
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever done for a Wi-Fi password?
You discover a magic portal in your closet. Where does it lead and what’s the first thing you do there?
If animals could talk, which species would be the most annoying on social media?
How would you explain the concept of “renting movies” to an alien?
What’s your go-to method for coping with the existential dread brought on by being alive in the 21st century?
If you could design a school of the future, what would it look like and how would learning be different?
Can you turn a classic nursery rhyme into a rap song?
If you could banish one outdated technology to the depths of the digital abyss, what would it be?
Can you describe your dream job using only five emojis?
You’re stuck on a deserted island and can only listen to one song on repeat for a year. Which one do you choose?
If time travel was possible, which period would you visit and why?
Animals can suddenly talk! Which animal would you chat with and what would you ask them?
Would you rather have the ability to teleport anywhere but only to places you’ve previously mispronounced or have the power to read minds but only while they’re singing?
What do you think cats dream about?
In a world where everyone’s a ‘content creator,’ what’s the secret to standing out in the crowd?
Think about someone who makes you a better person. What’s one specific memory you cherish with them and why?
If you had to give up one app for the rest of your life, which one would it be and why?
What’s the most creative way you’ve used a fire emoji besides its actual purpose?
If you could translate your entire life into internet slang, what would it sound like?
Imagine time travel is real. Would you travel to the past or the future and why?
Explain “adulting” to someone who thinks it’s just paying bills.
Is Netflix considered exercise if you laugh so hard you get abs?
What’s the weirdest conspiracy theory circulating among your cohort these days?
If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? (But it can’t be money or anything you can sell.)
Robots become our personal assistants. What tasks would you delegate to your robot helper?
If you could write a letter to your future self, what advice or words of encouragement would you include about cherishing the present?
What’s the one thing you think adults completely underestimate about your generation?
Can you convince your parents that buying followers is a legitimate investment?
What historical figure would have the most lit Instagram story?
If you had to lose one of your five senses, which one would you give up and why?
Is “same” a personality trait or an emotional response?
Bonus Round:
If you could see the world through the eyes of an animal for a day, which animal would you choose and why?
What’s the most useless talent you have that somehow gets a lot of views online?
In a zombie apocalypse, which three people would you want on your team and why?
If animals could talk, which species would be the rudest of them all?
What everyday chore would you never outsource to a robot if you could?
If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?
You can only eat one color of food for a week. What color would you choose and why?
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve convinced yourself to buy based on a TikTok ad?
What’s the most passive-aggressive way to say “no” to hanging out without actually saying “no”?
How do you explain the concept of “cancel culture” to your grandparents?
History books only tell the story of one side. If you could rewrite a historical event from a different perspective, which event would you choose and how would you tell the story?
What’s something you’ve never done but looks fun or interesting to you?
Is it possible to befriend your parents on social media without completely ruining your online persona?
