Gen Z friendships have entered their nickel-and-diming era
The rise of payment apps like Venmo and Zelle has introduced new social tensions regarding bill-splitting etiquette among Gen Z. Experts suggest that while these tools simplify math, they have created friction in social relationships due to overly granular requests.
Why it matters
Digital payment platforms are fundamentally altering social norms and interpersonal financial expectations, leading to increased conflict over small-scale expenses.
Getty Images; BI Some Gen Zers will Venmo-request you for half an avocado. Venmo and Zelle may have made bill-splitting math easier, but they haven't made etiquette clearer. An etiquette expert shared the best way to approach bill-splitting and handle friends who don't pay back. When Joanne Wang went out for dinner to celebrate her 24th birthday, she expected to split the meal evenly. She was spending the evening with a new friend, so she figured they would each pay for their own order. When her friend decided to bring her boyfriend along at the last minute, Joanne didn't think it would complicate the economics of the dinner. Instead, Joanne said, the new friend and the boyfriend ordered oysters and calamari — appetizers Joanne couldn't share because of her shellfish allergy. They also had two more drinks than she had each.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in