People Born In The 80s & 90s Are Just Now Realizing Boomers Actually Got 8 Things Right
cottonbro studio | Pexels Younger generations often label baby boomers as out of touch. It's usually because older people didn't grow up in the same world. They didn't have to worry as much about housing affordability or job stability. They were accustomed to traditional stances on social norms and the importance of a good work ethic.
But even young people, especially those born in the 80s and 90s, can agree that boomers were right about some things. Because of their reliance on convenience and digital media, many young people are taking a step back to analog. So, it's no wonder they're beginning to admit that they can learn a thing or two from boomers.
Things boomers got right that people raised in the 80s and 90s are just realizing
1. Choosing human customer service operators over AI
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Back in the day, when boomers wanted a cup of coffee they had to drive to a local cafe and tell the barista their order face-to-face. Then, if they wanted to buy new clothes, they had to physically go to a retail store and check out with a human customer service worker.
Today, if we want anything, all we have to do is order it via an app on our phones. There's no human contact necessary. And even if we venture into a store in-person, many offer self-checkout, which people prefer due to it giving them a "perception of control."
But despite self-checkout being objectively more convenient, when we never have to interact with humans, basic communication skills go out the window. People born in the 80s and 90s are realizing that face-to-face contact is preferable, especially today when the rise of AI is seemingly taking over human connection.
2. Reading physical books instead of Kindles
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Even young people agree that there's nothing quite like holding a physical copy of your favorite book and skimming through the pages. The smell of the paper and feel of the page add to the overall sensory experience of reading, which Kindles and other e-readers can’t replicate.
Squinting at a screen leads to eye strains, and the blue light it emits hinders our melatonin production that is needed for a good nights’ sleep. Reading comprehension is also 6-8 times better with a physical book.
3. Allowing kids more independence
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Parenting has changed a lot over the years. Today, a kid walking to school on their own is essentially unheard of, especially with parents stressing out over keeping their kids safe. But back in the day, boomers had a strong sense of independence. Walking to school by themselves or with friends wasn't exactly a choice.
We’ve seem to have forgotten that kids aren’t made of glass and don't need to be hovered over constantly. They need their independence to thrive, and deserve to learn proper safety from their parents.
“Whether it's walking home from school alone, organizing playtime without parents involved, or being responsible for chores without reminders, kids in this generation have fewer opportunities to practice using judgment,” clinical psychologist Ronald Stolberg said. “When parents are involved in every aspect of the child's life, a child misses these invaluable experiences.”
4. Not filming everything
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To be fair, in boomers' time, there wasn't even the option to record every little thing. The best option they had was a disposable camera, and even then, they had to get the film developed and wait. There was no digital option to post images for all to see.
For people born in the 80s and 90s, they're well aware that digital media has taken over much of our lives. We use social media as scrapbooks, posting crucial milestones in our lives to look back on.
While technology like this is helpful to keep track of memories, it has also dampened the point of it all: to enjoy the moment. We are so wrapped up in trying to capture the best picture or video that we lose out on the real-time experience.
5. Ditching iPads to play outside
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Because there was really no such thing as digital entertainment, when boomers were growing up or had kids of their own, they encouraged outside play. Kids roamed the neighborhoods riding bikes and playing with friends until the streetlights came on. That social connection and self-reliance was something they learned young.
Playing outside and getting fresh air is crucial for children to burn some of their pent-up energy. Staring at screens for an excessive amount of time has detrimental impacts on children’s overall development. In fact, too much screen time can negatively affect executive functioning and sensorimotor development.
6. Not ordering through food delivery apps
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It seems as though many of us have forgotten how to place a food order over the phone and pick it up ourselves. Food delivery services like DoorDash and UberEats have allowed us to order meals from the comfort of our homes, without actually interacting with anyone.
But boomers were certainly right that food delivery services are a rip off. While many people from younger generations are fond of this convenient method, they often fail to realize the impact it has on their bank accounts. Delivery services can cost up to twice as much as you picking up the order yourself due to service fees and higher menu prices.
7. Using printed menus rather than QR codes
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If you’ve been to restaurants, you probably noticed that physical menus have been replaced by QR codes that allow customers to see the menu on their phones. For younger generations like Gen Z or Gen Alpha, who are used to doing everything on their phones anyway, it may not seem like a big deal.
But people born in the 80s and 90s are finally realizing that these digital menus are annoying. Boomers prefer real menus because they offer an accessible and straightforward experience, and don't rely on a fast internet connection.
8. Agreeing to disagree
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When boomers were growing up, if they and their friends disagreed on a particular subject, they accepted it and moved on without judging them or questioning the connection. Adults could have civil conversations with each other, and even if they didn't agree, they could respect a different perspective.
In today’s social climate, cutting off friends who have different views than you is common. Unless someone else’s opinions directly harm or violate your well-being, we should be able to have open conversations, agreeing to disagree.
People born in the 80s and 90s are just now realizing how correct boomers were about this concept. They're understanding that agreeing to disagree promotes healthy dialogue and mutual respect. So, young people certainly should take a page out of boomers' playbook on this one.
Megan Quinn is a writer with a bachelor's degree in English and a minor in Creative Writing. She covers news and lifestyle, relationships, and parenting topics, as well as the human experience.
