Old-school geeks built your digital playground
Technology today offers unparalleled access to information, learning via platforms like YouTube, and social interaction on apps like TikTok. However, it’s perilous to overestimate one’s tech-savvy simply due to youth and familiarity with gadgets and viral trends.
The generational divide in technology
Contrary to the popular notion that older generations are tech-adverse, the truth is they were the original navigators of the digital frontier. Without the luxury of intuitive interfaces or user-friendly design, pioneers from the Baby Boomer and Generation X cohorts engaged with technology when it was largely uncharted and cumbersome.
These individuals delved into thick manuals, mastered complex commands, and depended on community and collaboration to troubleshoot and innovate.
Their perseverance and ingenuity led to the development of foundational technologies such as the internet, personal computers, and mobile communication — technologies that have revolutionized how societies function and interact.
People, not technology, are the key
It’s essential to recognize that technology itself does not drive change; rather, it is the people behind the technology who envision and execute these changes. The capacity for innovation belongs to more than one generation.
Brilliant minds have existed throughout all ages, from the scientists who laid the groundwork for today’s digital tools to the young entrepreneurs transforming business with artificial intelligence and blockchain.
Intelligence, creativity, and capability are timeless traits that manifest in individuals regardless of their generational affiliation.
Recognizing the pioneers
Acknowledging the contributions of tech pioneers is about more than paying homage. It’s about understanding the continuity of innovation. These trailblazers — often from older generations — envisioned a world interconnected by technology and took the initial steps towards this reality. For instance, the creators of ARPANET, the precursor to the internet, or those who developed the protocols for wireless communication, set the stage for today’s global connectivity. Their forward-thinking and problem-solving laid the groundwork that allows current and future generations to thrive in a digital age.
Final thoughts
For Snake People and Gen Z, it might be easy to consider themselves the most adept at using technology simply because they are the latest to come of age. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the true power of technology does not lie in its novelty or in the familiarity of the young, but in its ability to build on the achievements of those who came before. Embracing a legacy of innovation involves respecting and learning from past achievements while contributing to the ongoing technological evolution. Let’s strive to continue this legacy with a spirit of collaboration that spans across generations.
Will Kelly is a technology industry writer and marketer. Medium is home to his personal writing. He’s written for CIO, TechTarget, InfoWorld, and others. His career includes stints in technical writing, training, and marketing. Follow him on X: @willkelly.
