12 Things Boomers Do That Gen Z Find Completely Foreign
Boomers and Gen Z often experience everyday life in completely different ways. From habits to communication, the gap between these generations is wide.
Here are 12 things Boomers do that might seem totally foreign to Gen Z.
Using a rotary phone with a cord!
Spinning the dial on a rotary phone was a little ritual. Each number took time, making dialing a slow process.
The cord kept you in one spot, so conversations happened in one place. No screens or apps—just pure voice.
You learned patience waiting for the dial to return after each number. This simple tech is something Gen Z might never know.
Writing checks for every payment
Boomers often wrote checks for almost everything, from rent to groceries. Filling out a check meant carefully writing in details before handing it over or mailing it.
Waiting days for payments to clear was normal. Checks offered tangible proof of payment, which many Boomers trusted more than digital records.
Watching movies on VHS tapes
Popping a VHS tape into the player was an experience in itself. You waited for the machine to start, hearing the tape whirr as the movie began.
Rewinding or fast-forwarding was often done manually. There were no instant streaming options—just the movie you picked.
Collecting tapes with colorful covers added to the fun. Sometimes, a tape would get stuck, making things a bit more interesting.
Listening to music on cassette players
Sliding a cassette into the player and hitting play was part of the music experience. The mechanical whir of the tape was familiar.
To find your favorite song, you had to rewind or fast-forward. The sound was warm and analog.
Recording your own mixtapes let you blend songs for special moments. This hands-on process made music feel personal.
Unfolding a giant paper map across the dashboard was an adventure. You traced your route with a finger and learned to read symbols and legends.
No quick searches—just you and the map. Navigating without digital help brought a special kind of satisfaction.
Getting newspapers delivered daily
The thud of the newspaper hitting the porch was a morning ritual. News arrived every day, ready to be read with a cup of coffee.
You flipped through real pages, feeling connected to the world. Headlines in bold print and the smell of paper were part of the experience.
Collecting stamps as a hobby
Boomers spent hours sorting and admiring stamps from around the world. Each stamp told a story, capturing history and art in a small square.
Holding these unique items felt exciting. It was a slow, relaxing hobby that connected you to the past.
Recording songs from the radio on cassette
Waiting for your favorite song to play on the radio took patience. With a cassette in the player, you hit record and hoped to catch the whole track.
Timing was everything. Making a mix meant skill and a bit of luck.
Using a pager to stay connected
Before smartphones, pagers were the way to stay in touch. These small devices beeped or vibrated when someone wanted to reach you.
You had to find a phone to call back. Communication was simple and urgent.
Setting a VCR timer to record shows
Programming your VCR to record a show required entering the date, time, and channel just right. Double-checking was a must to avoid missing an episode.
The flashing clock on the VCR was a sign you’d done it correctly. It felt like a lost art.
Using landline phones exclusively
Many Boomers still rely on landline phones for their daily calls. These devices offer reliability and clear sound quality.
Landlines mean you never worry about battery life or signal drops. For Boomers, they’re a familiar and steady way to stay connected.
Sending postcards from vacations
Picking out a postcard during a trip can be a thrill. Selecting the perfect image lets you share a little piece of your adventure.
Writing a message by hand connects you with loved ones in a unique way. It’s not just about the words but the effort and thought behind them.
Waiting for the postcard to arrive adds to the excitement. It turns a simple update into a cherished memory for both you and the receiver.
