Living in a rapidly evolving digital age has unique challenges, especially for those of us with parents who haven’t quite caught up with all the technological advances. It often feels like we morph into tech support, lifestyle consultants, or even personal Google search engines for our parents.
From explaining the concept of ‘social media influencers’ to fighting the never-ending battle over ‘why we can’t just pause an online multiplayer game,’ there are certain things we’re just exhausted from explaining. Here are 13 scenarios that will resonate with anyone who’s tried to bring their parents up to speed with the 21st century.
Smartphone Apps
Despite the proliferation of smartphones, explaining the utility, functionality, and necessity of different apps is an ongoing struggle. For instance, 77% of Americans now own a smartphone, according to Pew Research Center, but only 46% of those over the age of 65 do.
Social Media
Explaining the nuanced language, evolving trends and privacy settings of platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat is taxing. Bill Gates once said, “The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don’t even notice it, so it’s part of everyday life.”
Online Privacy
Explaining the importance of strong passwords and why we shouldn’t click on every email or ad that comes our way often meets with blank stares.
Streaming Services
Explaining the concept of Netflix, Hulu, or Spotify against traditional cable and radio is a task. Nielsen reports that, as of 2018, 51.7% of homes in the U.S. had access to a subscription-based video-on-demand service.
Dating Apps
Explaining Tinder, Bumble or Hinge against the traditional ways of dating seems inconceivable to them. A 2019 survey by eHarmony revealed that by 2040, 70% of relationships will have started online.
Work from Home
Explaining that working from home is as productive as working from an office can be difficult. A two-year Stanford study showed an astounding productivity boost among telecommuters equivalent to a full day’s work.
Sustainability
Explaining the need for recycling, composting, and other eco-friendly habits can sometimes feel like talking to a brick wall. The EPA believes that 75% of American garbage could be recycled, but only 30% is.
E-Sports
Explaining that playing video games is not a waste of time and can be a serious career is often met with skepticism. According to a report by SuperData Research, the eSports market is worth almost $1.5 billion annually.
Cryptocurrency
Explaining blockchain and Bitcoin can be a chore. For context, as of 2021, Bitcoin’s market cap is over $600 billion, according to CoinMarketCap.
Dietary Choices
Explaining veganism, gluten-free diets, or intermittent fasting can be a challenge. Plant-based diets cut heart disease risk by 25%, according to a 2020 Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics study.
Mental Health
Explaining anxiety, depression, and the importance of mental health is crucial and often difficult.
Online Shopping
Explaining the convenience of Amazon, eBay, or online grocery shopping against traditional shopping is a task. In 2021, over 2.14 billion people worldwide purchased goods and services online, according to Statista.
Investments and Savings
Explaining the need for diversification, 401(k)s, IRAs, stocks, and bonds often meets with disagreement. A 2020 report by the U.S. Federal Reserve found that 52% of people are primarily saving for retirement.
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