There’s a world of difference between how Boomers and Gen Z navigate the digital landscape.

This difference, often, is a source of hilarity (or horror) for the younger generation.

As a Boomer myself, I’ve always found it fascinating how some of our tech habits make Gen Z twitch with discomfort.

I mean, we all use technology, right? But there are certain ways we Boomers handle our devices and apps that can make even the most patient Gen Z-er cringe.

Curious about what they are?

I’ve compiled a list of 8 technological habits that we Boomers have that are guaranteed to make any Gen Z shake their heads in disbelief.

Don’t worry, this isn’t a call to change your ways (unless you want to).

It’s more of a fun exploration into our digital differences. Read on and see if you recognize any of these habits in yourself!

1) Typing with two fingers

Call it a generational thing, but Boomers often have a unique way of typing that can make a Gen Z’s eyes pop out in disbelief.

It’s the two-fingered typing dance – a sight that’s both endearing and exasperating.

There we are, hunting and pecking each key, while our Gen Z counterparts use all ten fingers to type at lightning speed.

In the grand scheme of things, it’s not a big deal.

But for the younger generation, who’ve practically grown up with keyboards instead of teddy bears, it can be quite a sight to behold.

So next time you find yourself typing an email or searching something on Google, take a moment to notice how you’re doing it.

You might just give your Gen Z colleague or grandkid a reason to laugh.

2) Using Internet Explorer

Here’s a confession – I still use Internet Explorer.

Don’t judge me, it’s just one of those things that I’ve always done and have never felt the need to change.

But boy, does this make my Gen Z niece cringe!

To her, Internet Explorer is a relic of the past, like a dinosaur in the world of browsers.

She insists Chrome or Firefox are the way to go, with their sleek interfaces and faster load times.

Every time she sees me open up Internet Explorer on my computer, there’s an eye roll followed by a sigh.

She once even tried to secretly install Chrome on my laptop!

Yes, our browser preferences might be worlds apart, but hey, as long as I can check my emails and do my online shopping, I’m happy!

3) Overusing the Caps Lock

Ever received an email or a text in ALL CAPS and wondered if the sender was yelling at you?

That’s a common tech habit we Boomers have that can make Gen Z squirm.

Caps Lock, for us, might be a way to emphasize a point, but in the digital world, it’s considered shouting.

It’s one of those unspoken internet etiquette rules that we might not be aware of.

The next time you’re about to hit that Caps Lock button, remember – it’s not just about emphasizing your point; it’s also about how your message is perceived.

4) Struggling with selfies

Ah, the elusive art of the selfie.

While Gen Z can snap a perfect one with their eyes closed, we Boomers often find ourselves in a battle with our front cameras.

It’s not uncommon to see us holding the phone at an awkward angle, squinting at the screen, and ending up with a picture that’s more forehead than face.

And let’s not even get started on the accidental video recordings when we’re trying to capture a still image!

But come on, who said all selfies need to have the perfect angle and lighting?

There’s a certain charm in our offbeat selfie adventures, don’t you think?

Sure, it might make Gen Z cringe, but that doesn’t mean we should stop trying to master the selfie game.

Practice makes perfect after all!

5) Printing out emails

In a world where everything is digital and on the cloud, we Boomers often prefer something tangible.

This includes our emails.

Yes, many of us still print out important emails and file them away in physical folders.

This habit might seem archaic to Gen Z, who thrive in a paperless environment.

But for us, there’s a sense of security in having a physical copy in our hands. It’s about holding onto something real in an increasingly virtual world.

And yes, while it might not be the most environmentally friendly habit, it’s hard to let go of something that gives you comfort and peace of mind.

So if you see us at the printer, maybe give us a smile instead of a cringe. We’re just trying to navigate this digital world in our own way.

6) Ignoring the updates

Here’s something I’m guilty of – ignoring updates. Be it on my phone, laptop, or any app, there’s something about those pop-up notifications that I find incredibly annoying.

I usually hit ‘remind me later’ or just ignore them completely.

However, my Gen Z nephew pointed out that this isn’t just about getting the latest features or a smoother user experience.

It’s also about security.

He explained that updates often include patches for vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.

I didn’t realize my reluctance to update could potentially put my data at risk.

It’s not a pleasant thought, knowing that you might be inadvertently inviting trouble.

While it might seem like a chore or an unnecessary interruption, it’s worth taking those few minutes to update your devices and apps.

It could save you from a lot of hassle in the long run.

7) Forwarding chain messages

We’ve all been there – opening our messaging apps to find a long chain message from a well-meaning Boomer friend or relative.

Usually, it’s a heartwarming story, a safety warning, or a message that promises good luck if forwarded.

While we might see this as a way of staying connected or spreading positivity, Gen Z often views it as digital clutter.

To them, these messages aren’t just annoying; they often contain misinformation or hoaxes.

But here’s the thing – we don’t forward these messages to annoy anyone.

We do it because we care.

We want to share something that touched us or made us smile.

While it might make Gen Z cringe, remember it’s coming from a place of love and good intentions.

8) Not understanding memes

Memes are the language of the internet, and Gen Z are fluent speakers.

But for us Boomers, memes can often feel like a foreign language.

We might not understand why a frog on a unicycle is funny or what “no cap” means.

And when we try to create our own memes or use internet slang, it often misses the mark and ends up becoming cringe-worthy content for Gen Z.

But that’s okay. We don’t have to understand every internet trend or meme.

The beauty of technology is that it’s a vast, diverse landscape.

There’s room for all of us to navigate it in our own way, even if it makes others cringe from time to time.

After all, isn’t it our quirks and differences that make life interesting?

Final thoughts: It’s all about perspective

The intersection between generations and technology is a fascinating one.

It’s a dance of adapting, learning, and understanding that can lead to both frustration and amusement.

What makes Gen Z cringe might bring a sense of comfort or familiarity to Boomers.

These habits, whether it’s typing with two fingers or printing out emails, are not just about technology.

They’re reflections of the world we grew up in and the changes we’ve witnessed.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so will our interactions with it.

And while some habits might make others cringe, it’s important to remember that there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to navigate technology.

Whether you’re a Boomer who still uses Internet Explorer or a Gen Z who can’t imagine life without Chrome, let’s embrace our digital differences.

They’re what make our journeys through the world of technology uniquely ours.