Every generation has its own quirks, but let’s face it — growing up without certain things made life a bit simpler (and sometimes way less stressful).
While all the technology around these days can be convenient and fun at times, it’s not always a good thing. Here are just a few things Millennials and Gen Xers are seriously glad weren’t around during their childhood. Even Boomers will be able to relate to this list!
1. Social media documenting every awkward phase
Bad haircuts, questionable fashion choices, and cringe-worthy moments were blissfully limited to photo albums and memories. Millennials and Gen Xers didn’t have to worry about their every awkward phase being permanently plastered online. There’s something comforting about knowing your worst style decisions won’t pop up in a “memory” ten years later.
2. Instant messaging from your parents
Imagine trying to sneak out or stay out late, and your mum sends you a “Where are u?” message with read receipts. Gen Xers and older Millennials grew up with the freedom of not being constantly trackable. If you were out, you were out. No frantic texts, no GPS, just pure freedom (and maybe some creative excuses).
3. Viral challenges and trends
No one was dumping ice water over their heads or eating Tide Pods for likes. The only “challenges” were dares from your mates, and those were wild enough. Growing up without the pressure to participate in ridiculous online trends probably saved everyone a lot of embarrassment (and potential injury).
4. Cancel culture in the playground
Kids could say something silly or make a mistake without the risk of being publicly shamed or “cancelled.” Millennials and Gen Xers had the space to learn and grow without social scrutiny breathing down their necks. Playground drama stayed in the playground — it didn’t go viral.
5. Smartphones in classrooms
Back in the day, passing notes under the desk was the ultimate classroom risk. No one had a device buzzing with notifications or the temptation to sneak a quick TikTok scroll. Distractions were minimal, and detention-worthy offences were far simpler.
6. The pressure to curate a perfect online image
Childhood was about scraped knees, mismatched clothes, and questionable hobbies — not perfect selfies and influencer vibes. Millennials and Gen Xers didn’t have to worry about crafting a flawless online persona. You could just be a kid without worrying about your “brand.”
7. Online dating apps
Remember meeting people the old-fashioned way? In person? At a party or through friends? There were no endless swipes or ghosting games. Dating was awkward enough without the stress of crafting the perfect dating profile or deciphering cryptic messages.
8. Influencers shaping childhood aspirations
Dream jobs back then included astronauts, vets, and maybe pop stars — not YouTubers and Instagram influencers. Millennials and Gen Xers didn’t have influencers setting unrealistic expectations for life, success, and wealth. Careers were about passion and possibility, not follower counts.
9. The constant need for likes and validation
Your self-worth didn’t hinge on how many likes your latest post got because, well, there were no posts. Compliments came face-to-face, and validation was about real-life interactions. It was a simpler time, free from the dopamine hits of virtual approval.
10. Online bullying 24/7
Bullies existed, sure, but once you got home, you could shut the door and escape them. Millennials and Gen Xers didn’t have to deal with cyberbullying that followed them everywhere. Home was a safe space, free from the constant ping of negativity.
11. Endless notifications and alerts
No buzzing, beeping, or popping up of messages every two seconds. You weren’t tethered to a device that demanded your attention 24/7. Growing up without constant notifications meant more freedom to focus, play, and actually be present without digital distractions.
12. Streaming services with endless choices
Sometimes, too many options are just overwhelming. Millennials and Gen Xers grew up with a handful of TV channels, rental stores, and scheduled programming. You picked something, and that was it. No endless scrolling or decision fatigue — just simple choices and the joy of a good rerun.
13. Filters and photo-editing apps
Photos were just… photos. Red eyes, awkward poses, and all. There was no face-tuning or filter magic to “perfect” your image. Looking back at old photos means seeing the real, unfiltered you — and there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about that.
14. Video calls for everything
Calling someone meant just their voice, not their face in high definition. There was no pressure to look presentable for a quick chat. Millennials and Gen Xers could talk to friends in pyjamas, without worrying about lighting, backgrounds, or accidentally turning on the camera.
15. Location tracking apps
Whether you were hanging out at the park or wandering a bit too far from home, no one was tracking your every move on an app. Millennials and Gen Xers had a bit more freedom to explore, and as long as you were home for dinner, you were golden. The mystery of where you’d been was half the fun.
