Gen Z social media trend highlights generational skill gaps

A viral trend on the social media platform Threads has sparked discussion among Gen Z users regarding the generational differences in practical life skills. The trending sentiment suggests that ‘our fathers are the last generation who knew how to fix everything, and our mothers are the last generation who knew how to cook everything.’

This observation highlights a shift in lifestyle between those born in the 1970s and 1980s and younger generations. Older parents often acted as household repairmen—fixing bicycles, motorcycles, or furniture—and cooks who prepared meals without formal training. In contrast, many Gen Z individuals report a lack of these specific skills, often relying on delivery services or eating out.

Observers note that this shift is not necessarily a sign of decreased capability, but rather a result of changing economic environments. While previous generations relied on self-sufficiency due to limited service availability, modern life offers abundant, affordable services and goods, making manual repair and home cooking less essential for daily survival.