Baby Boomers lived through a time of significant change and growth, and their experiences are vastly different from those of younger generations, particularly Generation Z.
The following are 10 things that Baby Boomers lived without that Generation Z just wouldn’t survive!
#1 Limited Technology
Baby Boomers grew up in a world without modern technology such as smartphones, laptops, and the internet. They lived in a time when information was limited to what was available in books, on television, or from other people.
Today’s younger generations cannot imagine a world without constant access to information and entertainment. In fact, with Gen-Z living an online life more than an offline one, 79% of them say they cannot live without their phones.
#2 Air Conditioning
Air conditioning was invented in 1902 and was considered a luxury item in the 1950s and 60s. It was not commonly found in homes or buildings till the 1970s. This meant that Baby Boomers often grew up experiencing hot, humid summers without any relief.
Today, air conditioning is a standard feature in most homes and buildings, and young people would struggle to survive without it.
#3 Video Games
Baby Boomers grew up when video games were not a widespread entertainment. Even though Pong was invented in 1958, video games didn’t become mainstream till the 1980s. They often spent their free time playing outside, reading, or doing other activities.
As per studies, 95% of Gen-Z play or engage with video games in some way. More importantly, more than 70% of teen gamers say gaming helps them stay connected to others and is an important part of their social life, according to a Deloitte study.
#4 Instant Gratification
Back in Baby Boomers’ young days, things took longer to accomplish, and instant gratification was not yet a concept. They had to wait for information, wait for responses, and wait for things to happen.
Today, we have purpose-built technology to make everything instant and easier. Can you imagine Gen-Z watching movies, listening to music, communicating, or finding the latest news back in the day?
#5 Social Media
There was no such thing as social media back in the day, and people often relied on face-to-face interactions or letters for communication.
On the other hand, young people today basically grew up on social media. It is an integral part of daily life for Gen-Z, with 54% of them saying they spend at least 4 hours a day on it.
#6 GPS
Baby Boomers grew up in a time when GPS navigation was not yet a widespread technology. They had to rely on paper maps, directions from others, or their own sense of direction to get around. Gen-Z has never been without GPS navigation.
As per a survey, “Half of Gen Z drivers have never used a paper road map, and nearly a third of Millennials have never used one to travel to their destination. On the flip side, 94 percent of Baby Boomers have.”
#7 Online Shopping
Baby Boomers shopped the old-fashioned way by going to a store to buy what they needed. Mail-order catalogs were the only way to get your shopping delivered, and it took a considerable amount of time. Compare that to Amazon and other online shopping platforms at Gen-Z’s fingertips.
Gen-Z Can’t Handle It
In conclusion, Baby Boomers lived through a vastly different world than that of today’s young people. They experienced a time of limited technology, no instant gratification, and a lack of modern conveniences that are now considered the basics for survival.
Featured Image Credit: HayDmitriy /Depositphotos.com.
This article originally appeared on Ash & Pri.
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