Everyone could do that at that time: The lost skills of Generation Z
Millennials and Generation Z are constantly criticized for their lack of practical skills in everyday life. In this context, a generational researcher provided some interesting explanations. In Frankfurt, a flat bicycle tire, a dripping faucet, or a squeaky kitchen door represent challenges that were previously easily solved by simply using the necessary tools. However, today's youth tend to use their phones to ask for help, raising questions about whether this is due to generational differences.
This is evident in the discussions taking place on the Reddit platform, where one user wrote, "Everyone was able to do this in the past," pointing out that today's youth are not interested in learning basic craft skills. Another wondered why these young people do not ask their parents to teach them these skills. Studies indicate that the youth's feeling of lack of independence in craft skills is due to familiar outcomes. According to the Splendid Research Institute in Hamburg, only one in ten Germans aged 18 to 29 considered themselves "good at DIY tasks," compared to three in five on average across all age groups. In a British survey, it was found that Generation Z spends about 1500 euros annually on professional help for tasks they believe they could do themselves if they had the knowledge.
The generational researcher, Rüdiger Maas, points out that it is not just a complete loss of skills, but it carries implications for the transformation of these abilities. Although few young people do their work themselves, this does not mean they lack skills but rather lack opportunities to apply them. Criticism from the Boomers generation is intensifying, as the skills of Generation Z and Millennials are portrayed through a distorted lens. Often, older individuals forget what they could not do, while ignoring the development of digital skills among the youth.
A large part of these developments can be attributed to a gradual change in parenting styles. When both parents work full-time, practical tasks are often assigned to specialists. Parents may also have a cautious parenting style, which can hinder children from acquiring skills.
Studies warn that this lack of practical skills may lead to long-term problems. If young people continue to give up easily when facing practical problems, they may lose confidence in their ability to experiment. The problem is not the lack of skills but the inability to accept mistakes and the fear of failure. At the same time, Mass emphasizes that many young people are searching for information and learning skills through the internet, which is another type of problem-solving, but it differs from traditional methods.