As technology and social norms have rapidly evolved, the generational gap between Baby Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z has become more pronounced. Practices and routines that were once everyday norms are now baffling to the younger generation. Understanding past practices and routines offers insight into how technology and societal norms have evolved. For Gen Z, these once-common activities can seem perplexing, but they provide a fascinating glimpse into the ways people lived and communicated before the digital age. Embracing these historical practices can also offer a deeper appreciation for the conveniences of modern life and the rapid pace of technological advancement. If you’re a Gen Zer or simply curious about the past, here’s a look at ten normal practices and routines from bygone eras that leave Gen Z scratching their heads.

Rotary Phones

Why It’s Confusing: Rotary phones, with their spinning dials and mechanical clicks, seem like a relic from a bygone era to those accustomed to digital touchscreens. The idea of dialing a phone number by turning a dial and waiting for each number to return to its starting position is almost alien to a generation used to instant access.

Past Context: Before the advent of touch-tone and mobile phones, rotary phones were the standard for making calls. The rotary dial mechanism required patience and precision, reflecting a time when communication technology was much simpler.

Dial-Up Internet

Why It’s Confusing: The concept of connecting to the internet via a dial-up connection, with its distinctive screeching noise and slow speeds, seems almost mythical to Gen Z. The idea of tying up a phone line and enduring slow connection times is a far cry from today’s high-speed broadband.

Past Context: Dial-up was the gateway to the early internet era, where each connection required a phone line and was limited by its slow speeds and frequent disconnections. This era paved the way for the fast and reliable internet services available today.

Using Payphones

Why It’s Confusing: Payphones, often found on street corners or in public spaces, seem like an obsolete concept. The idea of needing coins to make a call, often under the watchful eyes of strangers, is puzzling for a generation accustomed to mobile phones with unlimited minutes.

Past Context: Before mobile phones became ubiquitous, payphones were a crucial means of communication, especially for those on the go or in emergencies. They provided a way to make calls without the need for a personal phone.

Physical Photo Albums

Why It’s Confusing: The practice of keeping physical photo albums filled with printed photographs is almost anachronistic to a generation that stores their memories digitally. The tactile experience of flipping through photo albums and carefully preserving prints is a stark contrast to today’s digital galleries.

Past Context: Before digital cameras and smartphones, people relied on physical albums to store and share photographs. These albums were often treasured keepsakes, capturing memories in a tangible form.

Manual Typewriters

Why It’s Confusing: The clunky, mechanical nature of manual typewriters, with their ink ribbons and manual key presses, appears cumbersome compared to the sleek, instant typing on computers and smartphones. The idea of correcting mistakes with correction tape or retyping entire pages is foreign to those who use word processors.

Past Context: Manual typewriters were once the primary tool for writing documents. They required physical effort and precision, and their use spanned from professional offices to home studies.

TV Guide Books

Why It’s Confusing: TV Guide books, which listed TV show schedules for the week, seem outdated in an era of on-demand streaming services. The need to consult a printed schedule to find out what was on TV and when is a concept lost on a generation accustomed to digital guides and streaming platforms.

Past Context: Before DVRs and streaming services, TV Guide books were essential for planning TV watching. They helped viewers navigate the complex array of channels and program times.

Letter Writing and Mailing

Why It’s Confusing: The process of writing letters by hand, addressing envelopes, and mailing them through a postal service is a far cry from the instant digital communication of emails and texts. The wait time for receiving a response and the formality of handwritten correspondence can seem quaint.

Past Context: Writing letters was once a primary form of communication, whether for personal, business, or official purposes. The process was deliberate and often cherished for its personal touch.

Floppy Disks

Why It’s Confusing: Floppy disks, with their outdated storage capacities and physical form, seem almost comical compared to modern cloud storage and USB drives. The idea of saving data on a disk that could easily be damaged or corrupted is a concept that’s difficult for Gen Z to grasp.

Past Context: Floppy disks were an early method of data storage and transfer. They were a significant step in personal computing, providing a way to save and share files before the advent of CDs and USB drives.

TV Remote Controls with Limited Range

Why It’s Confusing: Early remote controls, which required a direct line of sight to the TV and had a limited range, seem primitive compared to today’s advanced, multi-functional remotes and smart devices. The idea of physically standing up to change channels or adjust the volume is almost unfathomable.

Past Context: Early TV remotes were a breakthrough in convenience but were still limited in functionality compared to modern remotes. The evolution of remote technology reflects broader advances in home entertainment.

Paper Maps

Why It’s Confusing: Using paper maps for navigation, with their foldable and often cumbersome nature, is a concept that contrasts sharply with GPS and digital mapping applications. The idea of getting lost and needing to consult a map on the side of the road is a scenario almost alien to those who rely on smartphone navigation.

Past Context: Paper maps were once essential tools for travel and navigation. They required skill to read and interpret, and their use was a common part of the travel experience before digital mapping became widespread.