There’s a distinct divide in how different generations use social media. For many younger folks, it’s a seamless part of our daily lives. But for our Boomer counterparts, social media can sometimes feel like uncharted territory.
Often, this generational gap leads to some classic Boomer moves on social media that make us younger ones wince. Maybe it’s a well-meaning comment that misses the mark or a meme that’s three years past its expiration date.
These minor faux pas are harmless, of course, but they’re also quite telling. They reveal the nuances of how we communicate, interact and understand each other across generations.
In this article, we’re going to delve into the 7 things boomers do on social media that make younger generations cringe. Buckle up folks, it’s going to be an amusing and enlightening ride!
1) Overemphasis on privacy
Boomers, having grown up in a time when the internet was nothing more than science fiction, often struggle with the concept of online privacy.
And it’s understandable. The vast, interconnected web of the internet can feel like a minefield of potential scams and identity theft. But sometimes, this fear leads to an overemphasis on privacy that can be frustrating for younger generations.
You’ve probably seen it – overly cautious statuses proclaiming that they do not give Facebook permission to use their photos or information. Or maybe, they’ve shared posts warning of non-existent hackers, causing unnecessary panic among their friends list.
While it’s always good to be mindful of your privacy online, these actions often come across as out-of-touch and misguided to the digital natives of younger generations.
It’s one thing to be cautious, but another to spread misinformation. It’s a classic boomer move on social media that tends to make us cringe.
2) Digital oversharing
Okay, we’ve all been there. You log onto Facebook, and there it is – a detailed status update from your Aunt Susan about her morning routine, complete with photos of her half-eaten toast.
Boomers, bless their hearts, have a penchant for oversharing on social media. And while it’s endearing to an extent (who doesn’t love a good cat video from Uncle Bob?), it can also be a bit much.
Take my own experience for example. I remember when my Mom first joined Facebook.
She was so excited to connect with friends and family. But soon, her posts started crowding my timeline. There were photos of every meal she had, status updates about her garden, and don’t even get me started on the endless stream of cat videos.
While it’s heartwarming to see her enthusiasm for sharing her life online, it can also be overwhelming, especially when your news feed is flooded with the minutiae of someone else’s day. It’s just one of those things that makes us younger generations shake our heads and cringe a little.
3) Love for chain messages
Chain messages have been around since the dawn of the internet. Remember those emails promising good luck if you forwarded them to ten friends? Well, Boomers have brought that tradition to social media.
Whether it’s a post promising prosperity and good health if shared, or a message warning about the latest scam, Boomers seem to have a knack for falling for these kinds of posts.
What’s interesting is that a study by Princeton and New York University found that people over 65 years old were seven times more likely to share fake news and misinformation on social media. It’s easy to see how these chain messages and posts can spread rapidly.
But from a younger generation’s perspective, these chain posts aren’t just misleading, they’re also cringe-worthy. We’ve grown up in an era where fact-checking is second nature, so seeing these unverified posts being shared en masse can be a bit face-palm inducing.
4) Misunderstanding memes
Memes are the language of the internet for younger generations. They’re a way to communicate shared experiences, jokes, and ideas in a visual and often humorous way. But for many Boomers, memes can be a baffling concept.
There’s nothing quite like seeing a Boomer share a meme without fully grasping its context or meaning. It’s like watching someone laugh at a joke they didn’t understand – awkward and a bit cringe-inducing.
Perhaps it’s a meme that’s been taken literally or one that’s been shared with an entirely unrelated caption. Either way, these missteps highlight the generational gap in internet humor and remind us that not all content translates well across different ages.
5) Commenting on everything
Social media has given us a platform to connect with friends, family, and even strangers across the globe. But sometimes, this connectivity can feel a bit… overwhelming.
For example, a few years ago, I took part in a public discussion on Facebook about climate change. It was an interesting debate with diverse opinions, and I was enjoying the discourse.
But then my Dad jumped into the conversation. There he was, commenting on every single point, adding his two cents, regardless of whether it was relevant or not.
While I love my Dad dearly, his well-intentioned comments ended up derailing the discussion, turning it into a family chat rather than a public debate.
Boomers’ eagerness to engage in every post or conversation can sometimes feel intrusive or inappropriate to younger generations. It’s one of those social media habits that can make us cringe, even when we know it’s done out of love or interest.
6) Struggling with technology
It’s no secret that technology can be a bit of a hurdle for Boomers. After all, many of them didn’t grow up with smartphones or social media platforms.
And it shows. From posting statuses instead of sending private messages to accidentally liking posts from years ago, these technological hiccups can be quite cringeworthy.
While we can certainly appreciate the effort and courage it takes to navigate new technology, these social media mishaps are often a source of amusement for younger generations. We may cringe, but we also can’t help but chuckle at these endearing missteps.
7) Resistance to new platforms
Perhaps the biggest cringe factor is Boomers’ resistance to embrace new social media platforms. While Facebook and occasionally Instagram may be their comfort zone, newer platforms like TikTok or Snapchat often get dismissed as frivolous or confusing.
Yet, these platforms are where much of the younger generation’s online conversation and culture creation is happening. By ignoring or dismissing them, Boomers miss out on important insights into how younger generations communicate, share and perceive the world.
So, while it may be easier to stick with what’s familiar, embracing new platforms and understanding their value is crucial in bridging the generational gap in social media use.
Final thoughts
It’s easy to point out the quirks and misunderstandings that often occur when Boomers navigate social media. It’s a source of amusement, frustration, and yes, even a fair bit of cringing.
But perhaps it’s important to remember that these behaviors are simply a reflection of a generation trying to adapt to a digital world that wasn’t part of their formative years.
Their blunders remind us of the vast pace at which technology evolves and the challenges that come with keeping up. It also highlights the digital divide and the need for more inclusive online spaces that cater to all age groups.
At the end of the day, social media is about connection, about understanding and engaging with one another. Maybe it’s worth cringing a little if it means we can bridge the generational gap, foster better understanding, and yes, even share a laugh or two at our shared digital awkwardness.
After all, who knows? A few decades down the line, we might find ourselves on the other side of this digital generation gap.
