Even though there are only a few years between Generation-Z (Gen-Z) and millennials, the world changed a lot, as far as technology and how to do things. Gen-Z, also called Zoomers, according to researchers, are those born from the mid to late 1990’s and ending in the early 2010s, although some 90s babies may argue they are something completely different.
This generation has been dubbed as “digital natives,” having grown-up with modern technology. However, if you put something in front of them from before their time, such as a rotary phone or beeper, they might look at you like you have two heads.
Here are the top 5 things Gen-z probably would not understand.
Dial-Up Internet
Do you remember how long it would take you to boot up the internet? After the horrible, screeching sound, and at least 10 minutes, you were finally able to do your homework or watch a Youtube video or do whatever it is that you wanted. However, not you nor anyone in your house could use the phone while you were on the internet because it was the same line.
We will forever miss AIM (AOL Instant Messenger).
Crank Car Windows
Before having the luxury of pushing and holding down a button on your car’s door, it actually took manual labor to get your window open. You had to turn the little crank near the middle of your door in order to get any fresh air. Sure, it took a little time, but it got easier as time went on and it was worth it. It’s just like when you had to actually turn your key in the door to lock your car. It is so much easier today.
Blowing on a Video Game when it didn’t work
Your SEGA game stopped working? That’s ok, take it out, blow on it, and put it back in. Then it should work. Or, at least, that’s what we thought. Any Nintendo device where you had a cartridge, people blew on it when it didn’t work. However, that was probably not the best idea. Today, most people put in discs or can connect to the wifi for games, so they don’t have to worry about it.
Be Kind & Rewind!
It was the absolute worst when you finally found your film at Blockbuster (a story for another day, kids), you put it in, and the credits were rolling. That is why Blockbuster always reminded its customers to be kind & rewind. But back then, you didn’t press a button on your remote to rewind. No. You either had a VHS player (again, story for another day) which you could rewind on or you had to drag out your rewinder, put the tape in, and wait until it popped open to watch it from the beginning.
Burning CDs
Today’s kids will never know the joy of a mixtape. And no, burning CDs does not actually mean BURNING CDs. It means you took music off the internet or your computer and put it on a blank disc for you or anyone to enjoy at any time. You could put pictures, music, and videos on the discs. You did it all through good old Windows Media Player.
What else do you remember from back in the day that you could show kids today and they would have no idea?