FEATURED STORY
How Gen Z and Gen X Differences in Social Media Behavior Contribute to Parent-Child Generational Divide
July 17, 2025
By: Dovie Villalobos
Read Time: 5 Minutes
As a therapist who works extensively with families, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the digital age has created an unprecedented communication divide between parents and their children. Recent research from a Researchscape International survey conducted in April 2025 on behalf of LifeStance reveals striking differences that help explain why so many families are struggling to connect across generational lines.
Gen Z vs Gen X: Understanding the Generational Divide
To understand this conflict, we first need to recognize who we’re talking about. Generation Z (born 1997-2012) and Generation X (born 1965-1980) often represent the classic parent-child dynamic in today’s families. These two generations didn’t just grow up in different decades—they grew up in entirely different worlds when it comes to technology, mental health awareness, and communication styles.
The research data paints a clear picture: we’re dealing with two groups that might as well be spea...
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