A survey that reveals 20% of young adults don’t know how to change a light bulb or inflate a tire.
Nearly half (44%) would pay a professional for these tasks, costing an estimated $1,500 annually.
There was a time when the sound of drills and hammering filled quiet Sunday mornings, as neighbors took on DIY projects. That era is fading. Generation Z seems to prefer hiring help for tasks their predecessors once tackled with ease.
According to data from Halfords, a UK car and bike products retailer, published in The Times, Gen Z is losing the ability to perform basic repairs at home or on vehicles. This trend has earned them the nickname “GOTDIT”, “getting others to do it.”
Declining DIY Skills at Home
The study found 21% of 18-to-27-year-olds lack confidence in completing simple tasks like changing a light bulb or inflating a tire.
Many are willing to pay professionals for such work, which could cost around $1,500 annually. Meanwhile, 22% admit they still rely on their parents for help.
Some 25% avoid changing bulbs because they fear getting burned, and one in five believes climbing a ladder to do so is too dangerous. The authors of the study weren’t surprised: “It really did put a lot of people off and knock their confidence so they decided it wasn’t worth having a go. “This meant parents stopped teaching their children and so you have a generation where they just turn to professional help.”
The aversion extends to hanging pictures—11% of respondents would call a professional. When shown five pictures of tools, 30% couldn’t differentiate between a flathead screwdriver and a car jack.
Only 47% could correctly identify a car jack, compared to 87% of Baby Boomers and 88% of those born before 1946.
The trend continues with car maintenance. More than half (57%) say they don’t know how to inflate a tire. Only 35% feel capable of changing windshield wiper blades—a task that typically takes minutes—while 44% would pay a professional.
“Motoring knowledge in particular appears to be on the decline, with many reluctant to take on even the most basic tasks such as replacing windscreen wipers,” Halfords’ automotive expert Andy Turbefield said.
Lack of Experience or Need?
Older generations may criticize this skill gap, but experts argue it stems from a lack of exposure. Rising car and driver’s license costs mean fewer young people own cars, so they haven’t needed to learn these skills.
Additionally, delayed independence plays a role. With many Gen Zers staying in their parents’ homes longer, they face fewer opportunities to tackle everyday maintenance tasks.
Image | Roselyn Tirado (Unsplash)
See all comments on https://www.xatakaon.com
SEE 0 Comment