“I’m With Boomers On This One”: 45 People Name Things That They Think Older Generations Got Right
Baby boomer is a term used to describe a person who was born between 1946 and 1964. This generation makes up a substantial portion of the world's population, especially in developed nations.
However, due to various reasons, such as political and social differences, younger folks aren't particularly fond of them as a cohort. They point fingers at decades of disregard for the climate and accuse Boomers of entitlement whenever the housing market is mentioned.
And the media isn't helping, either. There are countless articles, such as 'The Boomers Ruined Everything' and 'The Worst Generation: Or, how I learned to stop worrying and hate the Boomers.'
Image credits: profbobadilla
So historian Dr. Eladio B. Bobadilla decided to change the public debate and tweeted, "What makes you go, 'I'm with the boomers on this one?'"
In less than a month, it was viewed over 71 million times and has received plenty of positive replies. Continue scrolling to check out some of the most popular ones.
This post may include affiliate links.
For disabled people like me- being able to control some appliances from my phone allows me to be more independent and do things on my own. So they do have some uses!
Yeah, but alternative controls such as voice or even Bluetooth with an App don't have to connect to the internet to work...it's a product of software programmers who overestimate their capabilities and corporate ecosystem lock-in greed.
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I don’t want my washing machine to order more detergent from Amazon when it is hungry.
I don't want electronic devices automatically ordering anything. Go on vacation come back to 12 boxes of detergent. Also wonder who needs a slow cooker that you turn on/off with your phone? The whole point of a slow cooker is turn it on and walk away.
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Same here. I don't want to run the risk that in future my fridge is turned off because ppl with more money decide to (buy and) turn on their AC on hot days.
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Working in IT i can tell you, i don't even want my TV to be "smart". There are computers and smartphones, that's everything that needs to be connected to the internet. Everything else can be controlled with those two things and maybe a Raspberry pi.
I don't like that my TV remote has 2 buttons and a "voice" button that I've disabled but still constantly scans the room and kills the batteries every two weeks
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I don't mind the existence of smart devices. If someone wants a smart toaster then go nuts. But I don't want a world where I can't buy a "dumb toaster". I can see possibilities for some devices. For example, if I could link my electric kettle to my alarm clock that might be handy. The moment my alarm gets turned off the kettle could start heating up. So by the time I've walked to the kitchen it's hot and I can make a cuppa. Or aircon that I can turn on while I'm sitting on the train on the way home. So by the time I get in the house is cool. Absolutely not life changing, but I could see the possibilities.
I live in Florida, and very close to where Hurricane Ian hit. I know most people heard and saw how massive the destruction was. A lot of people were waiting days to weeks to have not only their electricity turned on, but their internet as well. This one woman was throwing a monster hissy fit that everything in her house was controlled by the internet, she couldn't do anything and how more important she was than people who lost everything. I have some lights and my a/c connected, but i can operate manually. I'd never be completely dependent on them.
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I have an appliance which says I have to be in the same wifi network to control it. LOL
I'm living with this issue at the moment with a new robot vacuum cleaner that keeps disconnecting from my home network. I want clean floors which, it seems, is somewhat secondary given the length, complexity & emphasis on connectivity in the User Guide. Fortunately, it does have a 'manual mode' so all is not lost but I wanted to avoid having to cart it from room to room as herniated disks combined with arthrosis are not helped by heavy lifting
Oh I dunno. You never know when you might be traveling abroad and want to start a load of laundry via your plane's onboard wifi. / S. "Alexa, please make my house unnecessarily complicated and also more expensive."
Yes, because when on holiday I always get withdrawal symptoms because I haven't done any housework for a few days. Just thinking about putting on a load of washing could cure the problem.
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I don’t get it. It’s a feature, not a bug. You don’t have to use it if you don’t want to. Or something else, buy a device without connection. There is a lot out there still ☺️
but how fast is that changing? my old kenmore washing machine will probably last me more than another decade but when i can't get parts to keep it running anymore, what will my choices look like? i don't want a washing machine that requires an internet connection just to run a load of towels. i'd like the trends i see moving toward this future to stop now.
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It makes me laugh that nearly everyone has a Fitbit or equivalent to find out how many steps they do, but can't be bothered to get off their a**e and turn on their lights or pull the curtains/blinds.
Again, advocating for the disabled. The fit bit makes sure i do move enough when i can move. I do have a remote for the lights and fan, but apparently blinds/curtains only come with apps.
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Yes, this. I dont need my fridge/stove/washer/dryer or whatever to have software, much less need updates to it. Side note, we bought some new Dewalt power tools where I work and they connect via Bluetooth to an app on a phone. Like, what?
Ok we do NOT need self-laboring power tools.
Load More Replies... But it's really nice to be able to change my fan settings from the phone in the middle of the night when I'm too hot or cold.
That doesn't require internet connection or 'smart' capabilities though. Remote control has existed for decades.
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I like my lights and fans connected so I can automate them to turn on by using location data. But your toaster doesn’t need it.
I will say with 100% certainty that the software on these appliances will not be patched for the same amount of time as the expected lifetime of the appliance. With 99.5% certainty that they are riddled with security issues. With 70% certainty that the software was implemented by a subcontractor working under dubious conditions and practices. Good luck in five years when your fridge is holding your laptop hostage.
Most things don't, but for some things it is potentially useful. Having heating that you can set remotely is useful, as you can have the heating turned down whilst you are out and turn it on when you are on your way home. Mine is reasonably programmable and I can set a "holiday" for when I predict I will be back. The one thing I like having connected to the internet is my music - which is all stored on my NAS, but having voice controlled searching is wonderful. I've had an internet connected TV for so long that the apps on it no longer work and can't be updated! But you can keep your internet connected fridges and toasters thank you very much.
I do live that my washer tells me that it's done. But that's all
I totally get this. My apartment building went from coins to cards that went in slots to bluetooth. The bluetooth thing is working better, but there are just moments when it is a pain, like when the wireless doesn't want to connect. Or when my phone has gone through one of those "updates", and apps like location is automatically turned off. (The location app has to be on in order to connect to the machines.) Not having to have quarters for laundry was a plus. Having to fuss with my phone just so I can do laundry? Meh.
I feel like my appliances are trying and actually doing a good job at not allowing us to learn from discovery and doing things for ourselves. Too many will never know what it is like to actually open up the frig and just stare at the food inside. Plus my poor router is getting tired of figuring out how many devices need an IP at any given time just within the walls of the house.
I don’t want anything connected to anything that can be hacked. Nope. Simple.
The only thing that is ok with this is if you are a very busy mom and you can set the washer or dryer to work.
THANK YOU! I’ve been having to shop for new appliances & trying to get the sales people to grasp the concept that I do not want that feature.. good lord, it’s like they’re robots & unable to compute “does not want/need refrigerator connected to internet. Also, commercials popping up on refrigerator are unwelcome.” It is, apparently, a “rocket science” type of concept for them to grasp.
that whole "Smart" appliance thing is a con. it used to be that companies would buy comsumer data fae information gathering companies that themselves would often pay people via things like surveys for information on their habits, now thanks to Smart TV's, Meters, and Appliances they can gather that information for free with you paying extra when buying to give them the ability.
I don't want to smart home. My smartphone is enough that it's smarter than me.
Fun though when scammers try to get you to ' to to your computer', and they tell you what to do...I don't have that, I have wash, spin, rinse....etc, and then move on to the next ' computer '...drives them crazy, can hear them pulling out their hair and rolling their eyes. But no, not everything has to be connected...AI beware
Side bar, having my smoker watchable on an app is brilliant for keeping tabs on my meat smoking sessions
My front loader washer is "smart". It has a slot in the top for you to stick your phone in for some reason. Because it's on top, the slot collects detergent, softener and OxyClean grains , which is impossible to clean out, and I'm not sticking my phone in there.
My parents got a smart fridge. I honestly was very taken aback by it and all of these extras on it that just seem completely unneeded. On one hand, yes, it's nice that you can play music from its screen and have an app that can send grocery list items to your phone but for the amount it costs...all I want is a fridge that will give me ice.
Ha! Gotta agree with this one. When I buy appliances, I expect them to just do what they're supposed to do. They definitely do not have to connect to the Internet. I don't need my washing machine to connect to the Internet...
when google bricked revolv thermostats, i decided there are parts of my home that need to never be part of the internet of things. because i work in IT and spend my days troubleshooting device issues i plan to keep my car, my appliances, and my home heating/cooling dumb for as long as i can. i also wear an insulin pump that can connect to phones and ipads to control it (the app isn't compatible with my phone though so i don't use that feature). it's life altering technology for me and a lot of other people, but the option to treat my type 1 diabetes with analog methods (injections/pens) continues to exist and is expected to continue to exist. however, i was also using an insulin pump when a hacker proved that too much connectivity on an insulin pump without the right security measures (which now exist) was a very bad thing. they hacked a pump (2017, minimed pumps) remotely to prove it'd be possible to murder a diabetic without physical contact. connectivity needs to remain optional
Yeah whenever I see commercials for these kind of appliances, I think, why?
I used to think this but I have a blind friend and it helps her so much so...
The only appliances in my home connected to the internet are tv, laptop, phone and Amazon Echo. The laptop is because I work from home. The Amazon Echo was a gift. I have met a few people who do run everything in their home through the internet and they are not bright. They’re stupid because they think controlling the washing machine through the internet is clever because they can turn it on when they want. That’s what the timer is for. They still have to put the washing powder, fabric conditioner and clothes in. Then they have to take them out, dry them and iron them. Set the timer ffs. Stop making yourself look stupid.
yeah, i'm also disabled and i can think of a lot of items where this would be super helpful. i just want it to remain optional so people can choose what they want connected and never end up with a fridge that's a brick because the software updates for it aren't supported anymore.
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One can be overly connected to internet. Convenience is one thing but being overly connected and not being able to do for oneself is another.
When we needed to replace the ancient dryer that came with the house (ca 1989), we looked for a purely mechanical one with no computerize bits at all. If the last one lasted for more than 30 years without computer bits, there's a good chance that this one will make it at least 15 years.
The entire internet of things was and is a joke. It was/is a solution to a 'problem' that was created in order to sell the solution. The truly scary part is that there were so many people who bought into the belief that your home and everything in it needs to be connected to the internet, even if that internet connection didn't provide any benefit to the operation of the device.
My stereo receiver periodically turns itself on, connects to my computer and presumably sends information of some sort, then turns itself off. They are not linked via Bluetooth. I don't know what info it could be sending because I don't watch TV. Or maybe it's sending my viewing habits to the Nielsen ratings.
Our washing machine has an internet access option. We never use it. I mean, what does it do? Download the washing powder and fabric softener?
I’ve never understood the need for that and I am Millennial who was practically raised to embrace new technology!
I do love turning my ac on when I'm 45 minutes away from my house though...
Idk I think it's pretty cool being able to start your laundry or begin defrosting your dinner and all that other stuff all from your phone.
Because that's just what I need in the middle of a busy work day...to get a text from my fridge saying "Hey buddy, you're out of milk."
DUMBSTUPIT APPLIANCES ONLY!!! Also give me BUTTONS and SWITCHES and KNOBS again ffs. I hate touch controls or those tiny little buttons that fake touchscreens.
This is a huge safety issue in cars. Tactile or GTFO.
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Agree. I don’t even like using Siri or the Alexa type stuff. I’m not sure why, but it’s just another layer of something listening to me/ connected to the internet and gathering data I don’t really need.
I want to be able to plan that jewel heist in secret.
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Ah everybody thinks their the first person to attempt a clever, snarky comment. You're not. Personally, the idea of being able to preheat my oven when I head home from the market isn't a bad idea. I can already do that with my thermostat. No difference. LG, I think, has a gas range that will BT with the exhaust fan above, so that it comes on whenever the range is turned on. Good safety use.
Why does my fridge keep needing repair? Oh...because it has more software than mechanicals.
I don't like the fact that they all communicate behind our backs... I have never paired my phone with anything but it sure as s**t knows what I've been streaming on the separate TV with no linked accounts. Don't need to be shamed by the fridge, microwave and dishwasher in unison for what I'm planning, preparing and cleaning up for dinner.
Nor does my clothes dryer need a water connection, and won't work without one.
What? To murder you with electricity one day if you disobey the energy saving recommendations?
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Honestly, the simplest washer I could find, actually has a phone app. A. Phone. App. For those too lazy to get off the sofa.
We got in touch with Dr. Eladio B. Bobadilla and he was kind enough to have a little chat with us about what inspired him to start this discussion.
"Like most things on social media, that post was anything but an original thought," Dr. Bobadilla, who is an Assistant Professor of History at the University of Pittsburgh, told Bored Panda.
"I had seen someone, somewhere else, say they were 'with the boomers on this one.' I can't remember what it was, precisely, that elicited that reaction. But I'm a historian, and although this was hardly meant to be an academic exercise, it sort of organically and spontaneously turned into one."
Literally walked out of a restaurant last week when we were informed we had to scan the menu, which required providing personal information, and then, in addition, you had to place your order from their app. Bye.
I just don't use Apps. My explanation is: I don't use Apps. And thus I apparently have three heads with the looks I get.
Dr. Bobadilla has a deep interest in how things change over the years. For example, how different generations experience life in their own unique ways and the quirks that define them.
"I wondered what other young people might respond with if asked this question in an open-ended way. The responses were delightfully grumpy, weird, and thought-provoking," he said.
Wired earbuds also act as an antenna for phones that have built in FM radio. We don't need to stream everything.
I can't stress enough how sad it is to have grown up in the usa, to have been spoon fed "the american dream" my entire childhood completely believing it was going to be a reality one day...just to have it crumble and disappear the older i got. One full time job is just not enough anymore....i know far too well from experience.
As the replies kept pouring in, Dr. Bobadilla started noticing a few trends. "A lot of young people really hate QR code menus, think we should spend a little less time in front of screens, and agree that loud music is, well, too damn loud," he said.
"I found the aggravation with QR codes fascinating because we often assume that young people naturally embrace anything to do with technology. But it seems a lot of us still value doing some things the old-fashioned way."
And can we please get rid of all the silent TV’s playing c**p that no one actually wants to watch yet our stupid brains keep being drawn to and hypnotise by. I’m here to socialise and eat - stop flooding my senses with c**p!
I always make sure to not be on my phone if I’m outside with friends or family. I only wish some of my friends would do the same instead of scrolling through their phone and not paying attention to what I’m saying
I hated that all the way back to the 80s and haven't changed my mind yet. Paying huge amounts for torn clothing is insane.
In his book Generations, Bobby Duffy, who is a Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Policy Institute at King's College London, argues that generational thinking is a big idea that's been horribly corrupted and devalued by endless myths and stereotypes.
These clichés, according to Duffy, have fuelled fake battles between "snowflake" Millennials and "selfish" Baby Boomers, with younger generations facing a "war on woke" and older generations accused of "stealing" the future from the young.
I have to disagree with this one. As much as I love physical books, Ebooks are better. I have 5000 books on my kindle. I have a tiny, 1 bedroom flat, if my 5000 ebooks were in physical form they’d overflow my flat
I'm sure this is part of the reason I still have a close relationship with my adult children.
To see the true value of generational thinking, Duffy believes that we need to identify and discard the many myths.
For instance, Gen Z and Millennials are not lazy at work or disloyal to their employers. They’re also no more materialistic than previous generations of youth. Our focus on being rich is something we tend to grow out of.
Similarly, old people are not uncaring or unwilling to act on climate change, in fact, they are more likely than young people to boycott products for social purpose reasons.
You shouldn't need to get financing for a concert either. Prices are insane.
Because of all of this mess, Duffy thinks that we often overlook the real and important generational differences.
For example, the probability of you owning your own home is hugely affected by the time you were born — Millennials are around half as likely to be a homeowner than generations born only a couple of decades earlier.
The professor said there is also a real cohort effect in the experience of mental health disorders, particularly among recent generations of young women.
Our relationship with alcohol and the likelihood of smoking is also tied to our cohort, with huge generational declines in very regular drinking and smoking.
You just noticed your economy going down the drain. We pay like 3€ for a cheesburger.
According to Duffy, understanding whether, and how, generations are different is vital to understanding society.
The balance between generations is constantly shifting, as older cohorts pass away and are replaced by new ones. If younger generations truly do have different attitudes or behaviors to older generations, this will reshape society, and we can, at least to some extent, predict how it will develop and what challenges may lay ahead.
I'm still disgusted that when I did my driving lessons I was told not to slow down for an animal on the road. If you do that during your driving test it can fail you. You bet your a*s I slow down for animals, and thankfully during my test, there was not any on the road, but I'd take the fail several times over if it meant I didn't run over a cat or dog.
The author of this thread, Dr. Eladio B. Bobadilla, thinks that one of the biggest barriers that hinder productive discussions between generations is people's tendency to talk past one another.
"This isn't new, of course; older generations have always had trouble relating to younger ones and vice versa," he said. "We experience the world differently, and naturally, we're all accustomed to doing things in our own way. And of course, generational values and priorities are often at odds with others as the world changes."
But, as this discussion shows, it's not all bad. "What surprised me was the commonalities. Yes, young people are one with technology, but they still find joy in turning off their devices and spending quality time with those they love and with their natural environment," Dr. Bobadilla added.
"I do think we make too much of generational differences. They exist, of course, but we have people who have more in common across generations than we think: we all want to be able to love and be loved, to be accepted, to find meaning and purpose, and to support ourselves with dignified work (that's the labor historian in me, but it's true)."
"Again, we often point to differences, but look, I teach 19, 20, and 21-year-olds. When I ask them about the people who mean the most to them, they often say their grandparents. Similarly, when I talk to older folks, many express admiration for young people's bravery and determination in the face of an increasingly scary and uncertain world."
"Young people still look up to their elders, and elders find hope in younger generations. As you saw from the responses, there are lots of ways in which young people might say 'I'm with the boomers on this one.' But there are lots of things that make older folks think, 'I'm with the kids on this one.' Maybe I'll ask that next!"
9 pm is my bedtime! *to look at BP until midnight*
For most electric things I agree, but not the windows. I love my electric windows and being able to open them all from the drivers seat without having to get out or bend over.
Some people can't be cashless. For them, all they have is cash in hand, and if they hold it out, it should be accepted.
Nope. I'll take "i don't have the energy to fix this person/ relationship" for 500 Alex.
This might be about picking up to-go drinks and food, instead of having a well filled larder/food storage from which you can cook a nice meal at home - which requires planning ahead, buying what you need once a week and spending time to make and eat. Which has only positive side effects: You focus on what you put in your body and save a lot of money.
See, I really like a thank you email/message. It covers the sentiment just as well without the clutter and landfill.
I used to love going to the airport without getting a full body cavity search. Also going all the way to the gate to greet whoever I was picking up.
Please relate how to keep a hat on a 9 month old without using staples
Oh my god. I cannot believe that we can put humans on the moon and map the human genome but can’t make a f*****g straw that will not either end up in a turtle’s nose or disintegrate within second of being in my drink.
People should be smartly dressed for an interview. I've seen a lot of people under 30 going for job interviews wearing jeans or leggings. I'm not saying they have to be in a full suit, but a pair of trousers and a shirt/nice top is cheap enough and doesn't require massive effort. I'm 37 and my generation had it drilled into me at school that wearing casual clothes to an interview was a no no.
That's funny, we have the exact same issue at work...I'm 31 and we all noticed that the latests recruits in their early 20s all come to the interviews / work in jeans and sweaters, even though I work in an industry where formal attire is specifically required (and which is way more ok with smart casual than a decade ago, hopefully). We had to pass the message to the younger recruits. I can really understand that men are pissed with the suit + tie attire, especially in hot weather, but for women it's quite easy to wear a smart casual neutral navy blue dress / navy comfy work pants and a blouse, with sandals. Don't need to wear a worn out jean, dirty trainers and a red pull over with a big logo. Especially when you work in a bank. Maybe we're too conceited but I would be mortified to be dressed less professionally than the people recruiting me.
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"Digital deals"! EVERY store now wants u to download THEIR app to get extra savings. I don't have enough room on my phone for them all anymore
Might get hate for this and I don't think it's a "boomer" thing, but I'm a big proponent for all grade schools having (obviously affordable) uniforms (you see this the majority of Japanese schools). It's a great equalizer because no kid can flaunt their wealth nor does another kid have to feel less-than for their lack of it, and honestly saves a lot of time and stress in the morning. I feel like it also teaches kids about looking presentable, which is a skill needed when entering the workforce. In a way it would also do away with the ridiculous "HOw DaRE GiRLs HAvE SHoulDeRS! THeY DiSTRaCT ThE BoyS!" idiocy in schools since everyone will have to follow a near-identical dress code.
I'm in the UK and school uniforms are common place and I agree with the points you make. Supermarkets sell cheap versions and you can get help via your local council if you are struggling to pay - it's not perfect and there are still parents who have difficulties. Summer/winter versions aren't too bad - though protests where boys wore skirts because shorts weren't allowed took place! Not entirely sure what the outcome was but with the heat waves we get, shorts would only be fair (I think I remember they did win). Those kind of restrictions are often ridiculous and schools need to learn to be far less restrictive in that sense. Your second comment about expressing yourself is also fair. Children still do and are creative within these confines but learning when to express yourself appropriately is useful - you can't always do that in work and sometimes too much is made of it, there's time outside of school after all. Learning to express thoughts and ideas instead.
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A lot of these were things that Boomers had no direct control over. Boomers weren't "correct" about e-readers and phone apps. They literally had no f*****g choice in the matter!
....at no point was anybody blaming Boomers for any of these things. They said that they were AGREEING with Boomers about these things.
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We have an indigenous plant here on the prairies. The city is trying to pass a law that if you have it on your private property, you will be charged $400 dollars because if a dog eats it, it makes the dog sick. My dad is furious about this, and I agree--it helps pollination, bees--it's part of the natural life cycle of our environment.
Thought this was supposed to be about younger generations agreeing or disagreeing with older generations. This just read like old folks complaining about stuff.
Obsession with an actor's age. Ok, Leonardo Di Caprio has a thing for younger women. Aaron Taylor-Johnson's wife is something like 25 years older than him and he proposed to her. Helps that Sam Taylor-Wood is already a respected artist and now director. But don't go patting him on the back and saying he's awesome or brave for it. There's love and there's just burnout.
Actually remembering things. Let's try this: Without looking, do you know 1) phone number for your significant other, 2) your parent phone number, 3) your workplace address, 4) your parents address, 5) your significant other medical details (what they would ask in hospital, alergies, used medication, insurance number,...). And that is just few little things most of us will admit that we should know just in case. But ask your parents or grandparent, they will tell you all and add a lot of strange details.
This post used to have more than 45 entries. Does anyone know if the author sometimes hides the least popular entries? And can they get unhidden? Or are they lost forever?
BP usually pares down longer items after a couple of days, yes, and there should be a line somewhere saying so, with a link to view the full original list, which is still visible. If you can't find the link you can add the following text onto the end of the URL o do the same - &all_submissions=true
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Yes, thank you, I'm aware that programmable washing machines are a thing. But my old machine at least was only programmable in 3, 6, 9 or 12 hours. With a smart machine I can set it off whilst I'm at work, I don't have to remember to program it in the morning, I can time it exactly so that the clothes aren't sitting damp in the drum. It's like having a programmable machine, but smarter, which in my opinion and experience is better. It will also do things like tell me which is the best cycle to use according to what I put in, or ecological considerations, use the amount of detergent according to how much laundry there is, saving me money. All round better
Up to you of course, but it's not generally recommended to use washing machines when out. If I need to go out when the mahcine is still mid-program I switch it off mid cycle & switch it back on when I return. "Fire Advice: We would like to remind householders to follow some simple safety advice when using tumble dryers, washing machines or dishwashers. We are always urging people to be aware of the risks associated with washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers. These tips will help reduce your chances of suffering this sort of fire. General safety - Don't leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher running overnight or while you are out. They are a fire risk because of their high wattage, friction and motors." My machine isn't 'smart' but it does very precise time setting (literally whatever you put in) and still makes recommendations about laundry/detergent etc. That's been a feature for a while outside of smart technology.
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My big gripe here is that half of the responses in "I'm with the boomers" are just bemoaning a bunch of c**p that boomers destroyed. We had the greatest generation to thank for unions. Boomers destroyed them. Repairable things were standard until boomers found out they could make more money by making that impossible. Half of the problems on this list ARE boomers.
"Boomers" didn't have the technology or capability to ruin some of this stuff. I'm in my mid fifties, and MY earlier life didn't have the technology or capability to ruin some of this stuff! We were in the generation that designed, pushed, and promoted the basics of the computer-based appliances, cars, homes, etc. I know more boomers that aren't tech savvy than I do ones that are. I wouldn't lump all boomers into that one generic statement. There are a select few that contributed to these problems, but in my experience, these advances really started in the 80's and 90's and just kept speeding up. When everyone started getting personal computers, then portable devices, there was a dramatic shift in society. Users wanted faster, easier, better capabilities while on the go. Instant gratification. Less patience, less interaction, less accountability gave rise to higher stress levels, isolation, deception, and general unrest. Companies and developers realized that they could use proprietary technology and components that could not be interchanged as you could with older, basic mechanical parts. By monopolizing a specific solution, they could increase prices and profits. Simple supply and demand economics. Sure, you can buy the basics cheaply but to make it practical for what you need, you have to upgrade. The same principles are still being used to exploit people. Manufacturers have made it impossible to replace or repair digital items (cars, appliances, phones, etc.) because they make higher profits when you HAVE to replace them. Additionally, notice how advanced and technical crime has become. Cybercrimes are the fastest-growing illegal activity in the world. Why go to a bank to physically rob it when you can do it from the comfort of your own home by hacking into a system? Bullying, stalking, theft, and scamming are all on the rise because of the ability to remain anonymous and not be held accountable. I could go on and on about the moral decline and lack of respect that has arisen since the internet and the advance of the digital world have cone to fruition.
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An old man I know was on a full on rant against the socialist government in Spain because, hold it....... The TV schedule was running 20 late. The fact that thanks to the socialist gov he gets assistance at home and his pension is locked with inflation even though he only declared in Spain for 20 years Anyhow. I went to walk his dog one day he wasn't well and he was full on angry about how the news was late because theses commies socialist can't do anything bla bla bla. Turned out he had paused the TV with out knowing and must have pressed play about 20 min later. He still won't admit it. Its the commies messing with him
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People should be smartly dressed for an interview. I've seen a lot of people under 30 going for job interviews wearing jeans or leggings. I'm not saying they have to be in a full suit, but a pair of trousers and a shirt/nice top is cheap enough and doesn't require massive effort. I'm 37 and my generation had it drilled into me at school that wearing casual clothes to an interview was a no no.
That's funny, we have the exact same issue at work...I'm 31 and we all noticed that the latests recruits in their early 20s all come to the interviews / work in jeans and sweaters, even though I work in an industry where formal attire is specifically required (and which is way more ok with smart casual than a decade ago, hopefully). We had to pass the message to the younger recruits. I can really understand that men are pissed with the suit + tie attire, especially in hot weather, but for women it's quite easy to wear a smart casual neutral navy blue dress / navy comfy work pants and a blouse, with sandals. Don't need to wear a worn out jean, dirty trainers and a red pull over with a big logo. Especially when you work in a bank. Maybe we're too conceited but I would be mortified to be dressed less professionally than the people recruiting me.
Load More Replies... "Digital deals"! EVERY store now wants u to download THEIR app to get extra savings. I don't have enough room on my phone for them all anymore
Might get hate for this and I don't think it's a "boomer" thing, but I'm a big proponent for all grade schools having (obviously affordable) uniforms (you see this the majority of Japanese schools). It's a great equalizer because no kid can flaunt their wealth nor does another kid have to feel less-than for their lack of it, and honestly saves a lot of time and stress in the morning. I feel like it also teaches kids about looking presentable, which is a skill needed when entering the workforce. In a way it would also do away with the ridiculous "HOw DaRE GiRLs HAvE SHoulDeRS! THeY DiSTRaCT ThE BoyS!" idiocy in schools since everyone will have to follow a near-identical dress code.
I'm in the UK and school uniforms are common place and I agree with the points you make. Supermarkets sell cheap versions and you can get help via your local council if you are struggling to pay - it's not perfect and there are still parents who have difficulties. Summer/winter versions aren't too bad - though protests where boys wore skirts because shorts weren't allowed took place! Not entirely sure what the outcome was but with the heat waves we get, shorts would only be fair (I think I remember they did win). Those kind of restrictions are often ridiculous and schools need to learn to be far less restrictive in that sense. Your second comment about expressing yourself is also fair. Children still do and are creative within these confines but learning when to express yourself appropriately is useful - you can't always do that in work and sometimes too much is made of it, there's time outside of school after all. Learning to express thoughts and ideas instead.
Load More Replies... A lot of these were things that Boomers had no direct control over. Boomers weren't "correct" about e-readers and phone apps. They literally had no f*****g choice in the matter!
....at no point was anybody blaming Boomers for any of these things. They said that they were AGREEING with Boomers about these things.
Load More Replies... We have an indigenous plant here on the prairies. The city is trying to pass a law that if you have it on your private property, you will be charged $400 dollars because if a dog eats it, it makes the dog sick. My dad is furious about this, and I agree--it helps pollination, bees--it's part of the natural life cycle of our environment.
Thought this was supposed to be about younger generations agreeing or disagreeing with older generations. This just read like old folks complaining about stuff.
Obsession with an actor's age. Ok, Leonardo Di Caprio has a thing for younger women. Aaron Taylor-Johnson's wife is something like 25 years older than him and he proposed to her. Helps that Sam Taylor-Wood is already a respected artist and now director. But don't go patting him on the back and saying he's awesome or brave for it. There's love and there's just burnout.
Actually remembering things. Let's try this: Without looking, do you know 1) phone number for your significant other, 2) your parent phone number, 3) your workplace address, 4) your parents address, 5) your significant other medical details (what they would ask in hospital, alergies, used medication, insurance number,...). And that is just few little things most of us will admit that we should know just in case. But ask your parents or grandparent, they will tell you all and add a lot of strange details.
This post used to have more than 45 entries. Does anyone know if the author sometimes hides the least popular entries? And can they get unhidden? Or are they lost forever?
BP usually pares down longer items after a couple of days, yes, and there should be a line somewhere saying so, with a link to view the full original list, which is still visible. If you can't find the link you can add the following text onto the end of the URL o do the same - &all_submissions=true
Load More Replies... Yes, thank you, I'm aware that programmable washing machines are a thing. But my old machine at least was only programmable in 3, 6, 9 or 12 hours. With a smart machine I can set it off whilst I'm at work, I don't have to remember to program it in the morning, I can time it exactly so that the clothes aren't sitting damp in the drum. It's like having a programmable machine, but smarter, which in my opinion and experience is better. It will also do things like tell me which is the best cycle to use according to what I put in, or ecological considerations, use the amount of detergent according to how much laundry there is, saving me money. All round better
Up to you of course, but it's not generally recommended to use washing machines when out. If I need to go out when the mahcine is still mid-program I switch it off mid cycle & switch it back on when I return. "Fire Advice: We would like to remind householders to follow some simple safety advice when using tumble dryers, washing machines or dishwashers. We are always urging people to be aware of the risks associated with washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers. These tips will help reduce your chances of suffering this sort of fire. General safety - Don't leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher running overnight or while you are out. They are a fire risk because of their high wattage, friction and motors." My machine isn't 'smart' but it does very precise time setting (literally whatever you put in) and still makes recommendations about laundry/detergent etc. That's been a feature for a while outside of smart technology.
Load More Replies... My big gripe here is that half of the responses in "I'm with the boomers" are just bemoaning a bunch of c**p that boomers destroyed. We had the greatest generation to thank for unions. Boomers destroyed them. Repairable things were standard until boomers found out they could make more money by making that impossible. Half of the problems on this list ARE boomers.
"Boomers" didn't have the technology or capability to ruin some of this stuff. I'm in my mid fifties, and MY earlier life didn't have the technology or capability to ruin some of this stuff! We were in the generation that designed, pushed, and promoted the basics of the computer-based appliances, cars, homes, etc. I know more boomers that aren't tech savvy than I do ones that are. I wouldn't lump all boomers into that one generic statement. There are a select few that contributed to these problems, but in my experience, these advances really started in the 80's and 90's and just kept speeding up. When everyone started getting personal computers, then portable devices, there was a dramatic shift in society. Users wanted faster, easier, better capabilities while on the go. Instant gratification. Less patience, less interaction, less accountability gave rise to higher stress levels, isolation, deception, and general unrest. Companies and developers realized that they could use proprietary technology and components that could not be interchanged as you could with older, basic mechanical parts. By monopolizing a specific solution, they could increase prices and profits. Simple supply and demand economics. Sure, you can buy the basics cheaply but to make it practical for what you need, you have to upgrade. The same principles are still being used to exploit people. Manufacturers have made it impossible to replace or repair digital items (cars, appliances, phones, etc.) because they make higher profits when you HAVE to replace them. Additionally, notice how advanced and technical crime has become. Cybercrimes are the fastest-growing illegal activity in the world. Why go to a bank to physically rob it when you can do it from the comfort of your own home by hacking into a system? Bullying, stalking, theft, and scamming are all on the rise because of the ability to remain anonymous and not be held accountable. I could go on and on about the moral decline and lack of respect that has arisen since the internet and the advance of the digital world have cone to fruition.
Load More Replies... An old man I know was on a full on rant against the socialist government in Spain because, hold it....... The TV schedule was running 20 late. The fact that thanks to the socialist gov he gets assistance at home and his pension is locked with inflation even though he only declared in Spain for 20 years Anyhow. I went to walk his dog one day he wasn't well and he was full on angry about how the news was late because theses commies socialist can't do anything bla bla bla. Turned out he had paused the TV with out knowing and must have pressed play about 20 min later. He still won't admit it. Its the commies messing with him
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