Let’s address the elephant in the room, right up front: Is Generation Z the most entitled generation we’ve ever seen? If you’ve spent any time reading the headlines, scrolling through social media, or simply talking to fellow parents and teachers, you know this conversation pops up a lot. Words like “entitlement,” “selfish,” and even the not-so-nice “brat” get thrown around pretty freely. But what do we really mean when we talk about an “entitled generation”? And as Christian counselors, parents, or leaders, how should we respond?
What Does “Entitlement” Mean Today?
Entitlement in this context isn’t about people getting what’s rightfully theirs—like fair pay for hard work or basic respect. No, what we’re seeing is unjustified entitlement: the expectation that I deserve special treatment, perks, or privileges just because I exist. It often shows up as impatience with rules, frustration when expectations aren’t immediately met, or a “the world owes me” attitude. For many in Gen Z—those born roughly between the mid-to-late 1990s and early 2010s—this sense of entitlement seems especially pronounced. While it’s not exclusive to them (plenty of Millennials, Gen Xers, and even Boomers can be entitled!), Gen Z came of age in a unique cultural environment that makes this mindset even more tempting and widespread.
Why Is Entitlement So Prevalent in Gen Z?
There’s no single cause, but several cultural forces have come together like a perfect storm. First, social media and the “highlight reel” culture make it hard to stay grounded when you see influencers and celebrities showing off extravagant lifestyles and instant success. When comparison is just a swipe away, and “likes” and “followers” are seen as currency, it’s easy for young people to believe they deserve the same recognition—right now—without years of hard work or sacrifice. Second, well-intentioned parenting often says “yes” to everything. Many parents, eager to make up for childhood struggles or shield kids from disappointment, have swung the pendulum. Gone, for many, are the days of “You’ll have to work for it.” Instead, it’s “Let me do it for you.” When kids are never forced to wrestle with “no,” they assume “yes” is the default setting.
Third, we see a curriculum of self-esteem rather than character. In schools and society, there’s a heavy emphasis on building confidence, sometimes at the expense of cultivating character. While self-esteem is not a bad thing, when praise is detached from effort or growth, it can lead kids to think they can do no wrong—or that they should win simply for showing up. Finally, Gen Z has grown up with on-demand everything. They’ve never known a world without the internet, and are used to having information, entertainment, and even food at their fingertips. Waiting is alien; delayed gratification is almost unthinkable.
How Entitlement Hurts Relationships
The fallout from this mindset is far-reaching, but one of its most damaging effects lands squarely in our relationships—with parents, siblings, friends, romantic partners, classmates, and even co-workers. First, there’s the “It’s All About Me” attitude. Healthy relationships require selflessness, sacrifice, and the willingness to put someone else’s needs ahead of your own. Entitlement takes a sledgehammer to this foundation. When you walk into every interaction thinking, “What’s in it for me?” or “How are you meeting my needs?” the other person is reduced to a background character in the drama of your own life. It’s no wonder we see rising rates of loneliness and isolation—even as Gen Z is the most digitally connected cohort in history.
Entitlement also breeds conflict avoidance and fragility. Anything that challenges the notion of “I deserve to get my own way” feels like a personal attack. Gen Zers who are not used to being told “no” don’t develop the resilience to handle disappointment, criticism, or boundaries. Instead of working through conflict, many bail out—ghosting friends, switching jobs, even cutting off family at the first sign of discomfort. Entitlement further leads to grudges and bitterness. When entitlement is the lens, feeling “wronged” is a near-daily experience. Did a friend forget your birthday? Did your boss pass you over for a promotion? When every slight is a personal injustice and forgiveness is scarce, relationships grow cold and resentful. Finally, entitled attitudes can turn into manipulation. The belief that others exist to serve my happiness leads to subtle forms of control—guilt, passive-aggressive comments, or emotional withdrawal—which can sabotage friendships and marriages down the road.
Are We Raising a Culture of “Selfish Brats”?
It’s tempting to answer, “Absolutely!”—but as Christian counselors, we must resist the urge to generalize or condemn an entire generation. Every era has its struggles, and every young person faces unique challenges. But the data—and our experience—suggest that entitlement is indeed a defining struggle for many in Gen Z. More importantly, it’s a problem that’s not going away on its own. If anything, it’s accelerating. Still, there’s hope! Here’s how we can break the cycle.
Hope for the Entitled Generation: A Christian Perspective
First, let’s be clear: The gospel offers a radically countercultural antidote to entitlement. At its heart, the Christian message upends the world’s obsession with self and teaches us gratitude, servanthood, and surrender.
1. Grace Isn’t Earned, Nor Is It Owed
If anyone ever had the right to demand worship and obedience, it’s Jesus Christ. Yet, Philippians 2 tells us Jesus “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself…taking the form of a servant.” The cross is the ultimate act of humble self-giving: Jesus did not get what He deserved (glory), so that we could receive what we don’t deserve (forgiveness and grace). For Gen Z—and all of us—this means recognizing that the world doesn’t owe us anything; everything we enjoy is a gift of grace. In Christ, there’s no room for a “you owe me” posture—only awe and thankfulness at what God has done.
2. Humility Before Honor
Scripture repeatedly links true blessing with humility, not entitlement. “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Jesus, washing His disciples’ feet, paints a picture: Greatness in God’s economy comes not from demanding your rights, but from laying them down in loving service. Teaching Gen Z (and ourselves) to serve others—to consider others better than ourselves, to take the low place at the table—restores relationships and breaks the suffocating grip of entitlement.
3. Discipleship Involves Saying “No”
The Christian life requires boundaries, self-denial, and learning to endure “no.” When we parent or mentor well, we gently but firmly say, “You can’t have everything,” “Wait,” or even “No, that’s not best for you.” Instead of raising entitled brats, we raise resilient, thankful young adults who know their worth is not measured by affirmation or possessions, but by their status as beloved children of God.
4. Modeling Gratitude and Repentance
Gratitude is the arch-nemesis of entitlement. When young people see Christian adults who are quick to give thanks, slow to grumble, and eager to repent when wrong, they learn by example. We can teach the next generation to see everything—from breath in their lungs to food on the table—as a blessing, not a right.
5. The Blessing of Limits
Believe it or not, limits are good gifts. They remind us of our deep dependence on God and others. Gen Z needs to hear, “You are not the center of the universe—and that’s good news.” A world that doesn’t orbit around ourselves is a world where love, joy, and peace can actually take root.
Practical Ways Forward (for Parents, Mentors, Leaders, and Churches)
Let them struggle. Don’t rush in to rescue every time life is hard. Give space to persevere, fail, and learn from mistakes. Praise effort, not just achievement. Celebrate character qualities: humility, perseverance, honesty, and empathy. Encourage acts of service. Volunteer together, serve in your church, or look for ways to help neighbors—helping kids turn outward, not just inward. Say no—and mean it. Boundaries teach that life doesn’t revolve around us. Point to Christ, not culture. Compare the world’s messages (“You deserve it!”) with Jesus’ call (“Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me”). Pray together for changed hearts. Only God can uproot selfishness and plant the seeds of true humility.
Moving from Entitlement to Thankfulness
Generation Z is not a lost cause. They are creative, compassionate, and eager to see a better world. But the battle against entitlement is real—and it’s being fought daily in homes, classrooms, social circles, and churches. Instead of wringing our hands about “selfish brats,” let’s roll up our sleeves as compassionate Christian mentors. Let’s show Gen Z (and each other) the beauty of giving, waiting, serving, and letting go of our “rights” for the sake of others. When gratitude replaces grumbling and grace trumps entitlement, we’ll see healthier relationships and—by God’s kindness—a generation transformed. After all, no one grows up entitled at the foot of the cross. And there, most of all, our hearts can be made new.