As time progresses, technology develops, and with this come new ways of life. What the boomers were doing forty years ago isn’t how the younger generations do things today. Here are 19 traditions that will disappear with the boomer generation.
Visiting the Library
Going to the library used to be an inexpensive way to read for boomers, but with the development of technology, younger generations are now more likely to purchase e-books. For example, Because Mom Says writes, “Today, with the internet and e-books, the traditional library experience is dwindling. Physical books and library cards might soon become novelties.”
Fixing Things Instead of Replacing
Boomers are known for having a DIY spirit where they would always fix something if it broke. They didn’t believe in throwing something away if it could be fixed. Younger generations would rather buy something new instead of trying to fix whatever has broken. This throwaway culture only shows a loss of value in products.
Listening to Radio Shows
With streaming services on the rise, barely anyone listens to radio shows anymore. There has also been a transition to visual media, where younger generations prefer to watch TV shows. Podcasts are seen as the modern-day equivalent of a radio show, and they’re commonly accessed through streaming.
Using Phone Booths
Leadership advisor Mike Hoban wrote in 2022, “Last month New York City’s last remaining public phone booth was removed and hauled away to become a museum exhibit.” Phone booths are now seen as a thing of the past and have become a sort of icon as they’re being put into museums. The rise of mobile phones has meant that phone booths are no longer needed.
Dancing to Jukeboxes
There’s been a huge shift from jukebox music to digital streaming, even in bars. Now people can make playlists through digital services and play them instead of manually choosing a song. Nowadays, jukeboxes are seen as more of a decorative purpose and are rarely ever used.
Milk Delivery
Milk delivery is dying out at a very fast speed. Barely anyone has their milk delivered to their doorstep in glass bottles anymore, with the exception possibly being extremely close-knit, small towns. This personalized service has switched to people buying their milk from the supermarket.
Going to the Movies
Screen Daily writes, “While cinemas initially forged the way, new players and exhibitor caution are creating a gap in visual display quality between theatrical and home entertainment.” Home entertainment is becoming more and more popular as consumers can purchase televisions that rival the cinema experience.
Rotary Phones
The tactile pleasure of dialing a rotary phone has died out. They have been replaced with touchscreen phones and voice-activated calling, which has made it much simpler for people to call their loved ones. Rotary phones are now seen as a symbol of history and are usually used for decorative purposes.
Reading Newspapers
Physical newspapers have been rapidly declining as younger generations prefer to read the news digitally. Reading the paper used to be an experience, but now people usually read it on smartphones or tablets. It’s changed morning routines from reading the paper at the breakfast table to having a quick browse on a phone.
Classic Board Games
Younger generations prefer digital gaming to playing a classic board game in the evening. For example, MCV UK writes, “The rise of casual games—particularly on mobile—is killing the board games industry.” Board games were seen as a social aspect, as people would plan nights around them.
Listening to Cassette Tapes
Listening to cassette tapes used to be seen as a personal experience. For example, you could create a mixtape for a loved one, or it would be an experience in itself to go out and buy a cassette from your favorite artist. Nowadays, people use online streaming platforms and create digital playlists for someone they care about.
Saving with Piggy Banks
Digital banking has now replaced physical ways of saving. People can create savings accounts with their banks instead of having to save and hide physical cash. It can be seen as taking the fun out of saving, as you’re no longer putting physical coins into a piggy bank, and there isn’t the satisfaction of smashing it open.
Going to Drive-in Theaters
The unique experience of watching movies under the stars isn’t something that happens regularly anymore. Instead, people watch movies together on streaming services in the comfort of their own homes. Drive-in theaters had a sense of nostalgia to them that you don’t get anymore.
Sending Postcards
In recent years, there’s been a shift from sending a postcard while on vacation to sending digital photos instead. Postcards used to give a personal touch when they were sent from a person to let them know they were thinking of them. There’s been a huge decline in sending handwritten mail while traveling, which can also be linked to cost.
Using Encyclopedias
As per The Guardian in 2012, “The Encyclopedia Britannica has announced that after 244 years, dozens of editions and more than 7 [million] sets sold, no new editions will be put to paper.” Online search engines have taken over the need for print versions of encyclopedias, and so the act of flipping through pages is long behind us.
Shopping at Mom-and-Pop Stores
The rise of huge malls and online retailers has meant that shopping at mom-and-pop stores has seen a decline. It’s created a loss in the sense of community and purchasing items with a personal touch. It shows a decline in local family-owned businesses, which will have a significant impact on small towns.
Playing Outside Until Dusk
Children are now choosing to stay indoors and play on digital devices such as Playstations, which can be harmful. For example, Perspectives Blog writes, “There is a strong body of opinion that regards technology as being largely injurious to young children’s socio-emotional development and physical health.”
Using Typewriters
There’s a sensory experience that comes with typing on a mechanical device. Typewriters have now been replaced with personal laptops and tablets with digital keyboards. They’re now seen as artifacts of the past, and barely anyone uses them, especially not anyone from the younger generations.
Personal Cameras
Smartphones have replaced personal cameras, especially for everyday photography. The photography industry has seen a huge decline in carrying a separate camera to take photos. It shows just how much technology has evolved and how smartphones have become so multi-functional. Now, everything is digital, and there’s no need for separate film cameras.
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