If a Boomer tells you to get off your phone, you might roll your eyes. If they talk about the good old days of dial-up internet, you may just stare in disbelief.
Cracking the code of Boomer behavior isn’t always a walk in the park for Gen Z.
Indeed, the generational divide can sometimes seem as wide as the Grand Canyon. But don’t fret! There are just some things that Boomers do that Gen Z will never quite grasp.
And it’s not due to lack of trying, but more so because of the wildly different worldviews and experiences we’ve each grown up with.
Strap in, as we dive into the 8 Boomer behaviors that leave Gen Z scratching their heads.
In a world where everything is just one click away, Gen Z finds it hard to comprehend the Boomer’s love for face-to-face interactions.
To the younger generation, it might seem a bit redundant, especially when you can simply send a text or make a video call. But for Boomers, there’s something about sitting down and talking to someone in person that feels genuine and meaningful.
It’s not just about communicating information. It’s about experiencing the conversation, seeing the other person’s expressions, hearing their voice modulate, and feeling a connection that can’t be replicated through a screen.
So while Gen Z might see this as an unnecessary hassle or an outdated practice, Boomers see it as an integral part of building and maintaining relationships. A disconnect that truly leaves Gen Z baffled.
I still remember the day my Boomer father handed me a stack of envelopes and a book of stamps, encouraging me to keep in touch with my friends the “old-fashioned way”.
To him, writing letters was a cherished pastime. It was about taking the time to carefully craft your thoughts and sentiments, the joy of receiving a physical response back in the mail, and the thrill of holding a tactile piece of someone else’s world in your hands.
My Gen Z brain, however, struggled to understand why anyone would prefer this slow and antiquated method over the immediate gratification of instant messaging or social media updates.
Why would we wait days or even weeks for a response when we could simply send a quick text and get an answer within minutes?
It’s one of those Boomer behaviors that, despite my best efforts to comprehend, will probably always remain a mystery to me.
Despite living in the era of digital streaming, Boomers have a deep-rooted affection for physical media.
Vinyl records, VHS tapes, and DVD collections still hold a special place in their hearts. Many Boomers still own and regularly use items such as record players and cassette decks.
This isn’t solely due to nostalgia. The act of physically selecting and playing music or a movie can actually enhance the enjoyment of it. It engages more of our senses – sight, touch, even smell – creating a more immersive experience.
Gen Z might see this as unnecessary clutter or an old-fashioned habit. After all, why would you need a physical copy when you can have access to thousands of songs or movies at your fingertips? But for Boomers, the tangibility of physical media is part of its charm and appeal.
Boomers are known for their loyalty and dedication to a single job or company throughout their careers. It was not uncommon for them to stick with one employer until retirement.
This concept is almost foreign to the Gen Z workforce, many of whom anticipate switching jobs multiple times throughout their careers. They crave diversity, growth, and new challenges, and they aren’t afraid to jump ship if they feel unfulfilled.
But for Boomers, the idea was always about commitment, about growing with a company and climbing the corporate ladder through hard work and perseverance.
It’s a difference in mindset that Gen Z might find hard to grasp, especially in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving professional landscape.
I remember my Boomer parents flipping through the massive, yellow book anytime they needed a plumber, an electrician, or even a new pizza place.
The Yellow Pages seemed to be the ultimate directory for them. I used to watch in amusement as they scrolled through the fine print, searching for the right number to call.
As a Gen Z, I couldn’t help but wonder why they didn’t just Google it? Why spend so much time flipping through pages when the answer could be found in seconds on a search engine?
But for them, the Yellow Pages represented a simpler time when information wasn’t always at our fingertips. It was their go-to resource, their internet before the internet.
And while I can appreciate the nostalgia, it’s still one of those Boomer behaviors that I, and many of my Gen Z peers, will never fully understand.
In an age of endless options, Boomers often express a preference for the simplicity of fewer choices.
While Gen Z thrives on variety and loves the freedom to customize every aspect of their lives, from their coffee orders to their playlist selections, Boomers find comfort in simplicity and consistency.
It might seem backward to Gen Z. Why would anyone prefer less choice? But Boomers understand something that we often overlook – having too many options can be overwhelming and can lead to decision paralysis.
So, while it may seem odd to the younger generation, the Boomer preference for fewer choices is actually a coping mechanism for avoiding the stress of decision-making.
Even with the advent of emails and instant messaging, Boomers still hold a soft spot for good old-fashioned snail mail.
There’s something about receiving a hand-written note or a postcard in the mail that brings them joy. It’s more personal, more thoughtful, and, to them, it shows that someone took the time to write and send it.
For Gen Z, who are used to fast communication, waiting for a letter to arrive can seem like an eternity. They might question why anyone would choose a method that takes days over one that takes seconds.
But for Boomers, snail mail has a unique charm and emotional value that digital communication simply can’t replicate. It’s a boomer behavior that leaves Gen Z both puzzled and intrigued.
While Gen Z is embracing the convenience of digital payments and cryptocurrencies, Boomers still prefer the tangibility of hard cash.
They find comfort in seeing and feeling their money. It makes it real for them. They appreciate the clarity it provides in managing their finances.
For Gen Z, who are growing up in an increasingly cashless society, this might seem outdated. But Boomers’ affinity for physical currency is a reminder of a time when money was something you could hold in your hand, not just numbers on a screen.
If you’ve journeyed with us through these eight boomer behaviors, hopefully, you’ve gained a bit of insight into the generational divide.
These differences aren’t about right or wrong. They’re simply reflections of the distinctive eras we’ve grown up in, shaped by the social, cultural, and technological landscapes of our formative years.
Understanding this helps bridge the gap between generations. It’s not about Gen Z trying to make sense of boomer behaviors or vice versa. It’s about acknowledging that our experiences shape us and recognizing the value in each other’s perspectives.
After all, we’re all products of our time. And as much as we might find it hard to grasp certain behaviors of another generation, remember, they probably feel the same way about ours.
So let’s keep the conversation going, keep questioning, keep learning. Because it’s through understanding that we build bridges, not walls. Let this be a reminder to us all – it’s okay to be puzzled by another generation’s behaviors. But it’s even better to seek understanding.
The post 8 boomer behaviors that Gen Z will simply never understand appeared first on Small Business Bonfire.
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