What is Gen Z humor? Understanding absurd meme culture

Gen Z humor is a unique blend of absurdity, rapidly evolving meme culture, and unexpected twists that often leave older generations scratching their heads. This ever-changing comedic style reflects the digital age, where memes and trends shift as quickly as they appear. Exploring Gen Z humor offers insight into the minds of a generation that uses humor for entertainment both to process the world around them and to connect with others.

The essence of Gen Z humor

At its core, Gen Z humor is defined by its embrace of absurdity and anti-humor. Unlike traditional comedy, which usually relies on structured setups and punchlines, Gen Z humor often involves randomness and unexpected juxtapositions. This style is born from a culture steeped in internet memes and short-form videos on platforms like TikTok, where the humor can feel as random as it is fleeting.

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A prime example is the viral "Grimace Shake" trend, where creators sipped a McDonald's milkshake and abruptly cut to bizarre scenarios. The humor lies in its unpredictability and the shared understanding that the absurdity itself is the joke. This kind of humor requires being part of the online conversation, making it feel exclusive to those in the know.

Gen Z vs. Millennial humor

While both Gen Z and Millennials grew up with the internet, their humor takes markedly different paths. Millennial humor often revolves around nostalgia and self-deprecation, poking fun at their own experiences and the quirks of adulting. Shows like "BoJack Horseman" embody this style with their mix of dark comedy and reflective storytelling.

In contrast, Gen Z humor may be less sentimental and more about pushing boundaries. It often thrives on breaking conventional comedic rules, using elements like anti-humor—where the absence of a joke becomes the joke itself. This evolution reflects Gen Z's desire to carve out their own space in the cultural landscape, distinct from the generations before them.

The role of social media

Social media plays a pivotal role in shaping Gen Z humor. Platforms like TikTok fuel the rapid spread of trends, allowing jokes to evolve and mutate at lightning speed. A meme can go from hilarious to overplayed to ironically funny again within days, creating a dynamic and ever-changing humor landscape.

This fast-paced environment makes sense for a generation of people already adept at navigating digital spaces and understanding the nuances of online communication. Gen Z humor often involves references and in-jokes that require familiarity with internet culture, creating a sense of belonging among those who get it.

Bonding through humor

For parents and older generations trying to connect with Gen Z, understanding their humor can be a valuable bridge. Their tendencies can offer a window into how this generation perceives the world. Understanding Gen Z humor can open up conversations about their issues and how they navigate them.

Many Gen Zers respond with openness and curiosity, recognizing that while it may differ from traditional comedic norms, it is a valid and vibrant expression of their identity. By embracing the creativity of Gen Z humor, we can celebrate the diversity of comedic voices across generations. It’ll be interesting to see how the younger Generations Alpha and Beta develop their own POV. 

Ultimately, Gen Z humor may reflect the adaptability and resilience of a generation finding laughter amidst uncertainty, a reminder for all ages that humor has the power to connect, heal, and inspire.

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.