Throughout the years, each generation has developed its own set of skills for the world they live in., and the older generations, in particular, had to master a variety of practical skills that were essential in their daily lives, many of which have become obsolete in today’s tech-driven society. In this article, we’ll explore some of these skills that, while invaluable to older generations, are unlikely to be needed by Gen Z.
Use a Payphone
The Guardian says that there used to be 6,000 public payphones in the city of New York alone. Before cell phones were invented, people had to rely on payphones to make calls when out and about. But it has not been long since the city removed its last payphone. Gen Z New Yorkers will never have to use a payphone.
Multitask While Using a Landline
The figures from the Washington Post show that only 15% of renters have a landline. In the past, holding a conversation on a landline phone while doing other jobs was a skill that had to be mastered. Nowadays, Gen Z only has to learn to put a call on loudspeaker to continue a conversation while on the move.
Memorize Passwords
In the past, memorizing passwords and pins was essential for you to get into your accounts. Norton reported last year that password fatigue severely affects 40% and that “on average, individuals reuse passwords on 10 of their personal accounts.” But times have changed, and you can now use fingerprints or facial recognition to gain access.
Use a Floppy Disk
Britannica says that “floppy disks were popular from the 1970s until the late 1990s.” Most of Gen Z does not know what a floppy disk is and will never need to know, as transferring information from one computer to another is easier than ever before.
Change Camera Film
Knowing how to change camera film was very important not too long ago. It was imperative that the old film be kept safe and the new film be inserted correctly into the camera. Gen Z does not need to learn how to change camera film because most photos are now digital.
Writing a Paper Check
According to the Washington Post, “These days, most Americans (57 percent in 2020 and 2021) have not written a check in the past month, and even those who write them do so rarely.” Gen Z does not need to learn how to write paper checks, as card and cash payments are widely accepted.
Skim-Read Books
The older generation had to learn to skim-read books so they would quickly be able to find the information they needed. Now that most books are available online, Gen Z can look for the information they need using a search feature; they don’t need to learn to skim-read.
Setting an Analog Alarm Clock
Knowing how to set an analog alarm clock used to be a skill that people had to learn to master. But nowadays, most people use the alarm on their cellphone or some other smart device to wake them up. This is another skill that Gen Z will never need.
Program a VCR
In the past, programming a VCR to record was the only way you could make sure you wouldn’t miss your favorite TV show. “There are more than 200 streaming services available worldwide,” says Forbes. These give you the option to replay your favorite shows without the use of an antiquated VCR.
Use a Phonebook
The older generation had to master using a phonebook or some kind of telephone directory to get the number of a company or a person. Gen Z, however, does not need to learn how to use a phonebook because most company numbers are available online.
Correction Fluid
Older generations had to learn how to use correction fluid. This came in handy when they made mistakes in their homework or on important documents that they had to give to others. Most important documents are now done online, so Gen Z does not need to learn to use correction fluid.
Good Penmanship
Good penmanship was essential for generations past, when most communication was done through letters and hand-written correspondence. Nowadays, most correspondence is digital. For Gen Z, the most important thing is not for them to work on their penmanship but rather on their speedy typing skills.
Memorize Phone Numbers
Generations past had to be good at memorizing contacts. This was essential so they could call a family member or a friend in an emergency. Gen Z does not have to learn to memorize important contacts, as they have them in their cell phone contact list.
Read a Map
Older generations had to learn how to read a paper map. They also had to carry it with them when traveling. Nowadays, maps are available on smartphones. You can receive directions that tell you where to go without necessarily learning how to read a map.
Use USB Storage
USB storage used to be the only way for computer users to share information from one computer to the next. However, with the introduction of cloud storage, USB use is declining. Gen Z does not need to learn how to put files on a USB stick.
Balance a Checkbook
In the past, people had to know how to balance a checkbook to keep an eye on their finances. Nowadays, digital apps do all of the calculations for us. Gen Z does not need to spend time learning how to balance a checkbook in this day and age.
Use an Atlas
Physical atlases helped us locate certain geographical areas in the world. But now, if you want to find a country, it is easier to type it into a search engine and let the internet find it for you. Gen Z does not need to become proficient at using an atlas.
