While millennials embrace the latest tech trends, some gadgets leave their boomer counterparts utterly bewildered. The pace of technological change can be dizzying, even for the most tech-savvy. But for boomers who grew up in a world of rotary phones and waiting for their favorite show at a scheduled time, some of these new gadgets can be downright baffling. Here’s a peek at 17 new tech gadgets that have boomers scratching their heads.
Drones
Drone cameras seem intrusive and downright strange to boomers, who value privacy and a simpler time without gadgets buzzing overhead. The sound of an angry swarm of flies is enough to ruin a pleasant afternoon in the garden. Tech.co reported how a “NASA study confirms people hate the sound of drones.”
Smart Home Assistants
The concept of an AI that lives in the cloud and is always on hand to help you with any task sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie to a boomer. Boomers don’t understand why anyone would need a device that constantly listens, preferring the privacy and control of a physical button or phone call.
Fitness Trackers
Boomers find fitness trackers a bit excessive. They believe exercise should be its own reward rather than a data-driven activity tracked on your wrist. The idea of listening to a gadget tell you how you’re feeling or how far you can push yourself may seem utterly ludicrous.
Selfie Sticks
Why do you need a stick to take a photo when you have two arms? This is a common conundrum for boomers. While some millennials won’t leave the house without their telescopic stick in hand, a boomer prefers to ask someone to take a photo or just use their own two selfie sticks, attached to their body. The Guardian reported how they are often referred to as “wands of narcissism.”
Portable Power Banks
Carrying around a brick to charge your phone? Portable charging banks are a foreign concept to boomers who have never ventured far from a wall outlet with their trusty chargers. Boomers relied more on landlines for communication, so their phone usage habits were different. They don’t quite have the same need to be accessible to everyone 24/7.
Laptops
Using a laptop daily is a part of many millennials’ regular routine; some might not have even ever used a desktop computer. While a boomer will prefer the reliability and steady workhorse that a desktop computer offers, a millennial will, more often than not, always reach for a laptop. A study by Pew Research said that for desktop computers, “64% of Older Boomers [own] these devices.”
MP3 Players & iPods
The millennial generation saw yet another unprecedented advancement in technology. With the advent of iPods and MP3 players, everyone could now listen to music on the go. While boomers preferred to listen to music on CD players or the radio, millennials were enamored with this new obsession.
Hoverboards
Hoverboards, those self-balancing scooters, seem like a recipe for disaster to boomers who grew up with bicycles and tend to value practicality. Hoverboards, while fun, might not be seen by a boomer as a realistic or convenient way to get around for everyday errands or commuting. So, you’re unlikely to see a boomer whizzing by on one of these gadgets any time soon.
Smartwatches
Smartwatches seem like flashy distractions compared to a trusty Timex. Boomers question the need for constant notifications, replying to texts, and tracking your heart rate on your wrist. Smartwatches can be complex with various features and require some technical know-how to navigate. Boomers might prefer a simple watch face that’s easy to read and use.
VR Headsets
Strapping on a headset to enter another world seems strange, but VR experiences can be visually and even physically stimulating. Boomers might be concerned about potential dizziness, nausea, or disorientation, especially if they’re not used to such immersive experiences.
Boomers who value face-to-face social interaction and engagement with the real world might view VR headsets as isolating or a replacement for real experiences. Maybe it’s better to leave that one for the grandkids!
Streaming Services
Streaming services with their endless choices overwhelm boomers accustomed to the simplicity of a cable box with a limited channel selection. Keeping track of all those apps and passwords seems like an unnecessary headache to a boomer. They are masters of time and prefer a fixed schedule and something to look forward to over an overwhelming and all-accessible library.
Robot Vacuums
Living with a robot can make the boomer generation feel uneasy and less open to the idea of it than millennials. They might also be skeptical of a robot’s ability to navigate corners, clean carpets effectively, or handle pet hair. Boomers are practical, and robot vacuums can be a significant investment, leading them to question their cost-effectiveness compared to a reliable traditional vacuum cleaner that might last for years.
Contactless Payment
Boomers went from an era that used checkbooks to a small, readable chip in your wallet or a tap of your phone. Some boomers find contactless payments hard to get their heads around and maybe not 100% safe. Millennials are always on the go, and they opt for gadgets that save them time. They love the ease of just tapping their card or phone. Boomers struggle to comprehend the idea of not paying with a card or hard cash.
Digital Kitchens
Millennials are using their smartphones in the kitchen more and more to assist them in selecting what to cook and how. This is not an option that boomers choose. They’ll get out the cookbook to help if they need a recipe. Boomers might enjoy the convenience of grocery delivery, but they likely prefer the process of choosing their own food and ingredients or relying on tried-and-true family recipes.
Social Media
Picking up the daily newspaper is an old habit that dies hard for boomers; they much prefer these traditional and often viewed as more reliable sources. Many millennials use social media on a daily basis, both in their personal and professional lives. The idea of total transparency and sharing everything you do in your life is an alien concept to a boomer, and one they might avoid like the plague.
Gaming Consoles
Many millennials find that gaming is a crucial aspect of their lives since it helps them de-stress and unwind. Boomers typically hold a different perspective and might find adults using consoles to play games rather amusing, with the outlook that games are mostly for kids. A study by Pew Research showed that “game consoles are significantly more popular with adults ages 18–46, with 63% owning these devices.”
Bluetooth Headphones
The thought of shelling out a substantial amount more for a set of wireless headphones that do the same job as their predecessors can seem extravagant and pointless to a boomer. A millennial may be more inclined to use speakers on the go, while a boomer would take their time to sit down and relax to use headphones, reducing the need for a wireless model.
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