The constant evolution of technology is exciting for millennials and often overwhelming for boomers. Millennials embrace innovation, while boomers prefer to stick to what they know and trust. Here are 17 gadgets millennials have bought that make boomers roar with laughter.
Smartphones
As reported by the Pew Research Center, 93% of millennials own a smartphone, compared to just 68% of baby boomers. Millennials use their phones for everything from taking photos to online banking. Boomers tend to use them more for traditional methods of making and receiving phone calls and sending messages.
Laptop Over Desktop
Millennials pick laptops over desktops every time. It provides them with freedom, with some millennials even living the nomad lifestyle, allowing them to work from wherever and whenever. Boomers are more traditional in using the desktop, as this is what they have always been used to.
MP3 Players and the iPod Craze
During millennials’ upbringing, technology took another leap that hadn’t been seen before. The introduction of MP3 players and iPods gave everyone the ability to listen to music on the go. It was a new craze that millennials loved but boomers preferred to listen to music the trusted way through radio or CD players.
Gaming Consoles
Gaming is a key part of many millennials’ lives, as it allows them to relax and switch off. It’s also a hobby that allows people to socialize from the comfort of their own homes. Boomers tend to have a different view. They’ve always thought games were more for children, and they find it funny that adults play consoles.
Social Media
Social media is used by many millennials every day. It’s constantly evolving, with new networks available. Millennials use them personally and professionally, as they allow people to stay up to date with their favorite celebs and even create content themselves. Boomers struggle to understand this concept and prefer to stick to traditional media.
Digital Kitchens
According to Jon Taffer, “Millennials are bringing their mobile devices into the kitchen to help them decide what meals to make and how to prepare them.” Boomers don’t opt for this option. If they require a recipe, they will dig out the cookbook for assistance.
Personal Solar Gadgets
Millennials are starting to use more solar gadgets, such as solar-powered chargers. The appeal of sustainability and renewable energy within their gadgets is attractive to millennials, as they’re doing their part for the environment. Boomers struggle to understand how it’s possible and are afraid of the cost involved.
Contactless Payments
Millennials are always on the go, and they love any new innovation that saves them time. Contactless payments are one of them, with the ease of just tapping your phone and going. Boomers struggle to comprehend the concept of not paying with cash or a card.
Subscription Services
As mentioned by NewscastStudio, 8 out of 10 millennials stream TV shows, with 84% of them using Netflix. The convenience of subscription TV appeals to millennials with the ease of watching their favorite shows and films in one place, any time of the day. Boomers still prefer the traditional methods of sitting down at a particular time and watching cable TV.
Health and Fitness Trackers
Keeping fit and healthy is popular among millennials. They love to use health and fitness trackers, as these can tell them about themselves, from the number of steps they’ve done in a day to their resting heart rate. Boomers aren’t as trusting with these types of technology and prefer more traditional methods.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality is used by many millennials for different reasons, whether it’s to enhance their gaming experience, provide general entertainment, or even for educational purposes. Boomers find this humorous as they struggle to understand why people would want to spend time in a virtual world over the real world.
Electric Scooters and Bikes
Electric scooters and bikes have been loved by many millennials. They provide an efficient way to commute while also being environmentally friendly. For boomers, however, they have always seen bikes and even scooters as a form of exercise, and making them electric takes away that aspect.
Smartwatches
Boomers have a basic but clear outlook when it comes to what they want from a watch, and that’s purely for it to tell the time. When it comes to millennials, they require a lot more than knowing what the time is. These smartwatches allow them to make payments and send messages.
Smart Homes
As reported by Oakter, 72% of millennials are willing to pay a higher rent for smart features in their homes. Millennials trust technology and it aids them in their everyday lives to make things easier. This is the case when it comes to their homes. Controlling their heating or lights with the click of a button takes the stress away.
Crowdfunding
Millennials are very open to investing in others and have no issues supporting crowdfunding projects. Boomers have a more cautious outlook and are more fearful of what could go wrong by investing in crowdfunding. They prefer more traditional investment methods that have historical data to back them.
Meal Kit Delivery
Ordering meal kits online is a popular purchase for millennials. The appeal is having the ingredients all in one place, ready to go, and all they have to do is cook. Boomers don’t see the appeal and view it as lazy and expensive. They much prefer to go to the supermarket and pick up the ingredients in person.
Language Learning Apps
Learning a new language is difficult and it can be overwhelming. Millennials use apps to help their progress with a foreign language. This gives them the ability to learn on the go and at their own pace. Boomers, however, prefer to learn in person with a tutor or through a book.
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