When a boomer posts a status update in all caps, younger folks cringe. When they leave a personal message on someone’s public wall, it’s facepalm time.
That’s social media 101, right?
However, dig a bit deeper and you’ll find that boomer social media habits can be quite…well, out-of-touch to the younger generation.
There are eight stand-out habits that are particularly puzzling. But it’s not just about laughing at these quirks, understanding them could bridge the generational divide on virtual communication.
So buckle up, as we navigate these 8 boomer social media habits that will leave many youngsters scratching their heads.
1) Overuse of capital letters
Ever received a message from a boomer that felt like a virtual shout?
That’s because many boomers have a habit of using capital letters excessively. They may not be aware, but in the digital world, this is often interpreted as yelling.
Sure, they’re just trying to emphasize their point. But to the younger generation, it seems more like an unintentional shout into the void of social media.
It’s a bit like using a bullhorn in a library – it’s just not done. It’s too loud, too intrusive, and ultimately, it can be quite off-putting.
So next time you see an ALL CAPS post from a boomer, remember they’re probably not shouting; they’re just trying to make their point heard. Yet, it might be helpful to gently guide them towards the use of lower-case letters – for everyone’s sake.
2) Commenting instead of direct messaging
Let me take you back to a scenario that played out last week. I had just posted a picture of my new puppy on Facebook. A cute little snapshot of puppy bliss, nothing too personal.
A few hours later, I saw a notification. My Aunt Linda had commented, “Darling, can you remind me of your address? I have something to send you.”
I was mortified! That’s not the kind of information you want floating around the public sphere. I quickly deleted her comment and sent her a private message instead.
Boomers, like Aunt Linda, often prefer to comment publicly rather than use direct messaging. It’s a habit that can sometimes lead to awkward situations.
So, if you see a boomer leaving personal messages on public walls, remember it’s not them being careless. They’re just used to more open communication. Perhaps encouraging them to use direct messages might save future blushes.
3) Ignoring hashtags
Hashtags are to social media what Dewey Decimal System is to libraries. They categorize content, making it easier for users to find and follow discussions on specific topics.
Yet, many boomers bypass this feature entirely. They either ignore hashtags or misuse them, typing out phrases without spaces or using them in contexts that don’t make sense.
This can make their posts harder to find for those searching for content on similar topics. It also makes their posts look slightly out-of-touch to the younger generation, who are hashtag pros.
Remember, hashtags aren’t just pretty decorations. They’re vital communication tools in the digital world. So next time you see a boomer not utilizing them properly, maybe drop them a helpful tip or two.
4) Posting chain letters and hoaxes
“Share this post and good fortune will come your way in 24 hours!” Sounds familiar?
Boomers have a bit of a reputation for sharing chain letters and falling for online hoaxes. These posts often come with dire warnings or offer too-good-to-be-true promises if shared.
To younger users, this can seem gullible and naive. They’re more accustomed to double-checking information before sharing it, mindful of the spread of fake news and misinformation.
So when you see a boomer sharing these kinds of posts, it might be worth taking the time to explain why it’s important to verify information before clicking that share button. It’s a small step in fostering responsible social media habits.
5) Over sharing personal stuff
I’ll admit, I’ve had my fair share of TMI (Too Much Information) moments on social media.
Remember Uncle Bob? He loves to share every detail of his day, from what he had for breakfast to his thoughts on the weather. It’s sweet, but sometimes it feels like a bit too much.
Younger people tend to curate their social media feeds more carefully, sharing highlights rather than the mundane details of their daily lives. So when a boomer chronicles their life in painstaking detail, it can seem out-of-touch and a bit overwhelming.
I’m all for authenticity and sharing, but there’s a delicate balance between being open and oversharing. Maybe next time Uncle Bob posts about his breakfast, I’ll gently suggest he save some moments just for him.
6) Not using profile pictures
Here’s a puzzler: many boomers opt for generic silhouettes instead of uploading a profile picture.
You’d think that with their love for sharing, they’d jump at the chance to have their photo front and center. But nope, they prefer to remain a mystery.
For younger folks, who see profile pictures as a form of self-expression and identity, this can seem strangely impersonal. A profile picture helps create a connection, a sense of knowing the person behind the screen.
Why do boomers skip this step? Maybe they value their privacy more, or perhaps they find the process too techy. Either way, don’t be surprised if you come across a boomer with a shadowy silhouette as their online identity.
7) Failing to understand emojis
Emojis can be a tricky language to master, especially for boomers.
For younger generations, emojis are a second language. They use them to add tone and emotion to their messages. A simple smiley face can turn a potentially harsh message into a friendly one.
But boomers? They often get lost in the sea of faces, symbols, and tiny illustrations. They either misuse them or don’t use them at all.
When you see a message from a boomer that’s devoid of any emojis or filled with ones that don’t quite make sense, remember they’re still getting the hang of this colorful language. Maybe send them an emoji guide to help them along.
8) Tagging everyone in every post
One thing that really stands out is boomers’ tendency to tag everyone they know in every post, regardless of its relevance to the people tagged. To them, it’s a way of sharing moments and information with their loved ones.
But for younger people, who are more selective about their tags, this can seem unnecessary and even intrusive. Tags should be meaningful, linking people to content that directly concerns or interests them.
And if you find yourself tagged in a boomer’s post about their weekend gardening adventures, understand it’s their way of including you in their life. But that doesn’t mean you can’t gently remind them about the etiquette of tagging.
Understanding the generational gap
Reflecting on these points, it’s clear that boomers have a unique approach to social media. It’s not wrong, just different.
Because at the heart of it, they’re not out-of-touch. They’re simply navigating a digital world built by and for younger generations. They’re learning to communicate in a language that isn’t their first.
Their habits may seem quaint or even amusing at times, but they reflect their values: openness, communication, and sharing life’s moments with their loved ones.
So next time you notice a boomer committing a social media faux pas, remember this: they’re trying. They’re engaging with a world that’s constantly evolving. And that in itself is something to respect and appreciate.
Because in the end, we’re not just talking about social media etiquette here. We’re talking about understanding and bridging the generational gap. And that’s an effort worth making.
