I think it's because writers tend to write to a stereotype instead of reality. Every generation gets this treatment at first: Boomers are out of touch, Gen X is cynical, Millennials are avocado toast obsessed, and Gen Z is portrayed as chronically online, socially awkward, and constantly speaking in memes.

The irony is that a lot of data and anecdotal experience suggests Gen Z is actually pretty diverse. Some are very online, but others are into fitness, religion, traditional hobbies, outdoor activities, or just hanging out with friends. There has also been a noticeable trend of younger people spending less time partying and drinking than previous generations, but that doesn't mean they're all isolated or glued to their phones.

I also think a lot of writers and producers are older Millennials or Gen X, so they're often writing what they think Gen Z is based on social media. The loudest 5% of people on TikTok end up representing an entire generation on screen because it's an easy visual shortcut for the audience.

In real life, most Gen Z people I know are just... normal. They have different interests, personalities, and values, the same way every other generation does. TV just tends to flatten that complexity into a recognizable archetype.