Generational divides are a very real thing. When you look at the various generations, it’s clear that they grew up in different times, had different tools and information available to them, and saw the world in different ways. These differences manifest in many areas of life, from values and communication styles to leisure activities. Nowhere is that more obvious right now than in how Generation Z and X spend their free time. 

There is a huge age gap between the two generations, with Generation X being born between 1965 and 1980 and Generation Z being born between 1997 and 2012. Just consider how much the world changed during that time, especially when it comes to technology. Here we’ll take a closer look at how the two generations spend their free time, pointing out the many differences that exist.

Watching TV Has Always Been Popular with Gen X

All you have to do is ask a handful of Gen Xers what their favorite free-time activity is, and watching television is almost certain to be mentioned. Generation X grew up with some of the most iconic shows out there. Between the 1970s and the early 2000s, television was overrun with high-quality programs. Viewers could enjoy everything from sitcoms and drama to game shows and, eventually, reality TV. 

Here are just a few of the TV series that have resonated most with Gen X viewers:

• Friends
• Seinfeld
• The Simpsons
• ER
• Cheers
• The X-Files
• Baywatch
• The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
• Home Improvement
• Beverly Hills 90210
• Melrose Place

A few of these series have even gone through current reboots in an attempt to recapture their magic. There was something for everyone, no matter their interests. It was common to come home from work after a long day, flip on the TV, and then settle in for the evening on the couch. For many Gen Xers, this is still very much their daily schedule.

In-Person Experiences Are a Top Choice with Gen X

In a digital world, sometimes it can be hard to remember that in-person experiences do exist. One group you don’t have to convince of this fact is Gen X. They still very much enjoy activities such as dining out, going to the movies, shopping in physical stores, and visiting amusement parks and museums. 

Those who were born at the start of Gen X didn’t have online options. In-person experiences were all that existed. People often stick with what they are comfortable and familiar with, even when provided with other options. Even the simple act of just spending time with family and friends is popular with Gen X. Gen Z could say the same, but they would feel just as comfortable hanging out together online through a video chat.

Gen Z Prefers Console-Based and Online Gaming

Unsurprisingly, online gaming is massively popular with Gen Zers. Video games existed long before Gen Z was born, but some of the most impactful developments and shifts have happened during the 2000s. And it’s not just console-based video games that Gen Z plays in their free time, it’s also browser-based gaming such as online casinos, sandbox-style games, action, fighter, word puzzles and more. If it’s available in digital form, Gen Z is happy to give it a try.  

Video games can also act as a source of socialization for Gen Z. Many of the most popular ones offer in-game chat for players. This means they can play with friends and others from around the world. It’s also worth mentioning that Gen Zers have been huge adopters of smartphone gaming. They grew up with smartphones, so it’s only natural that they fully embrace the wide-ranging functionality of the device.

Social Media Is Often the Primary Source of Socializing for Gen Z

It’s impossible to talk about how each generation spends their free time without mentioning social media. The rise of social media began in the early 2000s, but it’s really only been the past 10 years that it has dominated the online realm. 

From Gen X to Baby Boomers, nearly everyone has embraced social media—though the enthusiasm varies by age. Whether it be Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or Instagram, it has become commonly adopted worldwide. Social media isn’t just a source of fun for Gen Z; it has also become essential in terms of socializing. Many Gen Zers have online-only friends. These are people they’ve never met in person but with whom they’ve formed strong online bonds.

Streaming Content Is Gen Z’s Version of Watching TV

We highlighted how popular watching television is with Gen X, but Gen Z also enjoys this hobby. What differs is the content that the two generations are streaming and the platforms they use. Gen X will typically choose live television and more mainstream platforms like Netflix, Apple TV, and individual networks. This stands in contrast to Gen Z’s streaming habits. Gen Z tends to choose streaming platforms like YouTube and even Twitch. Watching top streamers as they broadcast gaming, challenges, and other types of content is incredibly popular.

Some data places the numbers as high as 80% for Gen Xers who stream content at least once a week. Data also shows that 46% of Gen Z choose free streaming channels. What’s interesting about this statistic is that it acts as a crossover. Free streaming channels are a great way to bridge the divide between Gen X and Z by offering familiar content in a shared format. In other words, it can be an activity for kids and parents to enjoy together. That’s not always easy to do.

Everyone Has Their Version of the Perfect Free Time Activity

When it comes to leisure time, every generation approaches it a little differently. Still, one thing that both Gen X and Z have in common is the desire to maintain balance in life. Work, school, and responsibilities need to be balanced with ample free time. It comes down to each person’s version of fun and relaxation, which then dictates the activity they will pick. Interestingly, some of these activities can act as bridges between the two generations, giving them something in common.