13 Tech Habits Of Baby Boomers That Drive Younger People Crazy
Baby Boomers sometimes resist technological change, finding comfort in the familiar methods and devices they’ve always used. Even when newer, more efficient options are available, they tend to stick with what they know. This reluctance usually stems from a fear of the unknown or simply a strong preference for their established habits.
While new technologies provide many benefits, Baby Boomers often prefer to avoid them. This can lead to frustration and inconvenience for younger generations. Here are 13 ways Baby Boomers handle technology that can drive younger folks a little crazy.
Fax Machines
Younger generations prefer email, text, or cloud-based sharing. Many Baby Boomers still rely on fax machines for document sharing, holding onto a method they’re comfortable with despite its antiquated nature. It’s a familiar tool for them, even though it’s outdated for most people.
Phone Calls Over Texts
When it comes to communication, Baby Boomers often prefer phone calls over texts. They like hearing a voice instead of the perceived impersonal nature of texts. For them, a call feels more personal and meaningful. Afterall, it does feel nice to hear the voice of someone you care about and love!
Preferring Paper Checks
Younger generations love the convenience of online banking, direct deposit, and apps like Cash App And Zelle. Baby Boomers often stick to using paper checks for payments, preferring tangible methods over digital ones. They feel more secure this way and are hesitant to trust electronic transactions fully. It’s a habit ingrained from years of using paper-based payments.
Not Understanding Text Lingo
Baby boomers are often left confused when reading the abbreviations people use in texts nowadays. Young generations love the convenience of using these, so they don’t have to type as much. When they get stuck having to explain what it means, it results in even more typing, which can be frustrating.
Email Etiquette
You might notice Baby Boomers sticking to formal email etiquette with lengthy greetings and sign-offs. Younger generations often prefer conciseness instead. They stick to traditional norms of politeness and professionalism, which can sometimes come across as outdated.
Resistance To New Apps
Baby Boomers might be reluctant to try out new apps and social media platforms, preferring the familiarity of platforms like Facebook, while younger folks enjoy TikTok and Snapchat. Their hesitation often stems from a comfort with what they know rather than a fear of technology itself.
Desktop Computers
Rather than opting for the portability of laptops or tablets, Baby Boomers tend to stick with the reliability and familiarity of desktop computers. Many of these computers are outdated. When their outdated computers are running slow and can’t even get proper updates, this can cause a headache for younger generations when helping them.
Limited Social Media Usage
Baby boomers use social media more to connect with loved ones than to create a personalized profile or stay up-to-date with the latest trends. They don’t usually use social media for self-promotion or social validation. Boomers use it more sparingly, focusing on real-life interactions rather than virtual ones.
Manual Note-Taking
Baby Boomers can still be seen jotting down notes by hand rather than on their phones or computers. Many of them just like the feel of pen and paper. Despite the availability of more efficient and quicker alternatives, they prefer the simplicity and reliability of actually writing stuff down.
Manual Bookkeeping
A lot of times, Baby Boomers stick to manual methods of managing their finances. They prefer the hands-on approach of manual bookkeeping, feeling more in control of their finances when they can physically see and interact with their records. This can cause problems for people who use modern accounting software, especially when it comes to updates, oversight, and changes.
Physical Calendars
Baby Boomers like to write down appointments and events on actual calendars or planners. They appreciate the visual aspects of physical calendars, finding it easier to manage their time when they can see it laid out in front of them. This can frustrate younger generations who share their calendars with others to keep everybody informed of what they’re doing and when they’re free.
Limited Comfort With Smart Home Devices
Baby Boomers might feel out of line with smart home devices like voice assistants or ring cameras. They like the simplicity of manual controls. Some are hesitant to embrace smart technology due to concerns about complexity and privacy issues. This can make things more complicated and not streamlined.
Limited Knowledge Of Tech Jargon
Boomers may be scratching their heads over tech jargon. They can feel lost when trying to troubleshoot or navigate interfaces filled with unfamiliar terms. They can easily struggle to keep up with technology’s rapid advancements. Give them a break because tech jargon can get pretty confusing if we’re being honest.
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