20 Things About The Boomer Generation That Mean Nothing to Gen Z

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When it comes to different generations, there’s more than time that sets people apart. Over the years, developing technology has made more than a few routines feel obsolete, no matter the nostalgia they spark. Read on for our top 20 things Boomers care about that mean absolutely nothing to Gen Z.

Owning a Landline Phone

While Boomers often still value the reliability of landline phones, Gen Z sees these devices as outdated and unnecessary. Instead, the younger generation has come to rely on smartphones; which offer a wide range of perks beyond just making calls.

Collecting Physical Media

Older generations have a fondness for physical media like vinyl records, CDs, and DVDs because they come with a tangible, nostalgic charm. Meanwhile, younger fans prefer to use digital streaming platforms.

Saving Newspaper Clippings

Newspapers — Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

In the past, saving newspaper clippings was a tender way to remember important events or articles of interest. Today, this practice is antiquated, as most news and information can be accessed online (in perpetuity), so it’s often much easier to access or share content through digital means.

Writing Checks

While some people may still use checks for certain transactions, younger folks tend to find them cumbersome and outdated. Now, the unmatched speed and convenience of digital payments have made app-based banking services the easiest way to send or receive money.

Getting a Gold Watch

Receiving a gold watch upon retirement used to be a very special tradition, as it symbolized a lifetime of hard work and loyalty to a company. Gen Z, however, places less emphasis on material symbols of success and instead fixates on finding purpose and fulfillment in their work.

Maintaining a Rolodex

People once relied on Rolodexes to keep track of contacts and important information. Today, this method is obsolete, as smartphones and digital tools can easily store and organize contact information.

Nevertheless, the Smithsonian notes that, “Even today, the Rolodex has endured. It is still available on the market and actively used in the 21st-century workplace, and it maintains a reputation as a “survivor” of technology.”

Reading the Yellow Pages

The Yellow Pages were once an essential resource for finding local businesses and services. Over the years, we moved away from this printed directory, because search engines and online reviews provide a better way to discover (and evaluate) local businesses.

Buying Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias were once valuable sources of information and learning. Now, however, the internet gives young people access to a wealth of information.

Subscribing to Magazines

Magazine subscriptions were once popular because they offered readers curated content and monthly updates. Nowadays, younger generations tend to consume content online through blogs, social media, and digital publications.

Frequent Flyer Programs

Boomers often valued frequent flyer programs for their ample perks and rewards; but not Gen Z. They’re more focused on sustainable travel options and experiences, prioritizing environmental impact and unique adventures over accumulating points and status.

Owning an Address Book

Physical address books used to be a great way to record contact information for friends and family. Now, digital devices can store and manage contacts, and offer users the convenience of updating and syncing information across platforms.

Cable Television Subscriptions

Cable TV was once a staple in most households, as it offered a wide range of channels and entertainment options. Nevertheless, modern streaming services like Netflix and Hulu provide more on-demand content and the ability to watch thousands of shows and movies anytime, anywhere.

Sending Physical Greeting Cards

Greeting cards were once a great way to celebrate special occasions and stay connected with loved ones. Today, younger users tend to prefer more eco-friendly digital alternatives, such as e-cards or heartfelt social media messages.

Keeping Photo Albums

Many older people cherish physical photo albums because they allow them to preserve special memories with friends and family. Gen Z, however, tends to store and share photos digitally to save space and make sharing content easier.

Wearing a Suit to Work

Photo Credit: Branislav Nenin/Shutterstock.

Wearing a suit to work used to symbolize a level of professionalism and respect. Today, most employees prefer a more relaxed dress code and value comfort and self-expression in their work attire.

Plus, CNBC explains that, “Unlike other generations who picked outfits for a 9-to-5 work day, Voglino says millennial workers are planning for a 9-to-9: They’re “dressing to go from the office to dinner or a date. They’re dressing for a very active lifestyle.”

Dial-up Internet

Trying To Look Tough on the Internet — Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Boomers experienced the early days of the internet through slow and noisy dial-up connections. Gen Z has grown up with high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi, making dial-up a relic of the past – and a concept they can hardly imagine.

Using Film Cameras

Older generations have a nostalgic attachment to film cameras and the process of developing photos. Meanwhile, younger photographers embrace the convenience (and immediacy) of digital photography, and tend to choose smartphones and digital cameras to capture, edit, and share their images.

Fax Machines

Many people once relied on fax machines for sending documents quickly and securely. Today, this technology seems outdated and inefficient, given the convenience of email and digital file-sharing.

Ironing Clothes

Ironing clothes was once an essential chore, and the only way to ensure a polished and wrinkle-free appearance. That said, younger generations are often more relaxed about clothing maintenance and tend to opt for wrinkle-resistant fabrics, steaming, or quick fixes like using a hairdryer to smooth out wrinkles.

VCRs and VHS Tapes

Learning How To Program the VCR To Start and Stop Recording a Show at a Predetermined Time — Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Many remember the days of VCRs and VHS tapes, which were once the primary means of watching movies at home. Nevertheless, today’s children grew up streaming content or buying DVDs, making VHS tapes and VCRs obsolete, unfamiliar technology.