All the stereotypes Gen Z wishes people would stop believing

Gen Z has heard all the stereotypes, and they’re officially over it. We asked them to set the record straight on the labels they’re constantly handed, from being “too sensitive” and glued to their screens to supposedly having no work ethic or attention span. Here, they unpack what’s really behind the generation’s habits, choices and attitudes, proving that there’s a lot more to Gen Z than the internet’s favourite clichés.

Manvendra, 23

“I’ve heard people say we’re very rude and impolite, but I believe that we, as a generation, choose who to respect and who not to, as respect is earned and not given.”

Lavanya, 21

“Older generations call us unserious. Meanwhile, we’re applying for jobs, fighting existential dread, and editing a reel at the same time.”

Swarali, 20

“One misconception about us is probably that we’re lame. Like...have you seen Gen Alpha? Please, ‘6-7’ has got to be the LAMEST thing ever, and coming from someone who loves dad jokes, that’s huge.”

Kabir, 25

“Everyone says we’re addicted to our phones, but our phones are where we work, study, socialise, date, shop, and consume news. It’s basically our entire infrastructure.”

Aditi, 22

“Apparently, we ‘complain too much about everything’. However, we’re actually unlearning stuff from previous generations, and trying to stand up against what we believe is wrong. Just because other generations chose to struggle does not mean we have to as well!”

Ishita, 24

“They say we’re too focused on mental health. I’d rather be accused of caring too much than pretending everything’s fine. We’re putting an end to that generational trauma.”

Ananya, 22

“The misconception that we’re scared of commitment? Not always true. I think we’re actually scared of settling for the wrong person after watching so many relationships fall apart around us.”

Yash, 26

“Apparently, wanting a healthy work-life balance means we don’t have ambition. I want a successful career—I just don’t want it to be my entire personality.”

Dev, 25

“People call us entitled for wanting flexibility at work. I call it wanting a life outside of answering emails.”

This article originally appeared in Cosmopolitan India's July-August 2026 print issue.

Image credits: IMDb

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