Staff Reports
It seems like we’re living in an era where the state of our bedrooms can become a national talking point. And while some might dismiss the tidiness — or lack thereof — of Gen Z’s living spaces as insignificant, it serves as a litmus test for values, discipline, and responsibility. If the state of a generation’s room is any indication, we are heading into troubling times.
First, there’s the case of the ever-persistent mess that some in Gen Z seem to embrace as a badge of honor. It’s been suggested that cleaning a room isn’t just good housekeeping; it’s linked to mental well-being. A clean environment reportedly makes about 87% of Americans feel their best, but try telling that to a generation that views tidiness as optional. The clutter might be out of control, as piles of clothes conquer floors, but at least there’s an app somewhere with a virtual broom.
The generational divide becomes apparent when this tendency for messes is put in contrast with older generations, who took pride in neatness as an extension of personal dignity. This divide might explain why boomers and Gen X find themselves looking at Gen Z and shaking their heads, wondering when staying clean became a personality trait instead of a basic expectation.
Despite the mess, this isn’t just a Gen Z problem. Some millennials might admit to skirt responsibility after a trip, leaving suitcases waiting miserably on bedroom floors for days. They might protest that they’ve earned the right to be somewhat untidy, being industrious travelers with far too much on their plates. Still, labels like “hot mess” are thrown around, with endearing affection but also a hint of exasperation.
Finally, let’s remember that having a clean living space isn’t just about aesthetics; it is tied to accomplishments and reduced anxiety. While the move towards mindfulness is seemingly in vogue, it’s curious how this doesn’t extend to the undoing of disorder in one’s immediate environment. For those who swear by the power of meditation apps, maybe a little tidying up could do the job just as well. After all, a broom might bring more Zen than a guru’s podcast.
