Gen Z Think That The Thumbs-Up Emoji Is Rude And ‘Passive-Aggressive’

For years, the thumbs-up symbol was seen as a universal gesture of approval — quick, positive, and harmless. But according to Gen Z, it’s no longer so innocent. Many younger workers now view the emoji as “passive-aggressive” and even “rude.”

The shift began after a Reddit post from a new employee who admitted feeling uncomfortable whenever a coworker reacted with 👍. “It feels cold,” they wrote. “Almost like saying, ‘Whatever.’” Their post quickly resonated online, sparking a generational debate.

“For younger people, it comes across as really passive-aggressive,” said one 24-year-old. “In the workplace, it feels dismissive — like they don’t care.”

Older generations, however, see it very differently. To many Millennials and Boomers, the thumbs-up is simply a polite way to acknowledge a message — a digital equivalent of “Got it.”

Some older users argue that it’s practical, not emotional. “You’re overthinking it,” one Reddit commenter replied. “It’s just a thumbs-up, not an insult.”

Experts say this clash reflects how language and symbols evolve online. What feels friendly to one generation may seem sarcastic or curt to another. Even Emojipedia notes that the emoji “can be interpreted as passive-aggressive or ironic.”

Ultimately, the controversy shows how easily tone gets lost in digital spaces. Whether it’s a 👍, ❤️, or 😊, emojis don’t always convey the intended emotion — and sometimes, a few honest words work better than any symbol.