Gen X Saw it All!

I am part of the "forgotten generation" or the "middle child" generation, sandwiched between the Baby Boomers and Millennials. We are the awesome ones, called Generation X.  While we may not get as much attention as the generations before and after us, there's one thing we can all agree on: we've seen some incredible changes in technology in our lifetimes.

We were the first generation to grow up with computers in our schools and homes. We remember the days of dial-up internet (and the special sound that accompanies it, telling us we have enough time to get a coffee), floppy disks, and landline phones. We witnessed the rise of the personal computer, the internet, and the mobile phone. We've seen how technology has changed the way we communicate, work, and even play.

I found myself talking to my two gen Z (or one Alpha depending on your source) kids, about the evolution of computers when they asked me if I had typewriters when I grew up. I spent the next 15 minutes giving them an evolutional timeline of how I evolved from a typewriter to a computer by way of commodore 64. (To their credit, they listened. But They are Z’s, what else do they have to do? [kidding]

So, because my sons were curious, I thought others would be too. So, buckle up.

How Technology Has Changed Us

These changes were profound and changed us in so many ways. Our generation isn’t afraid of change, embraces technology, knows technology makes life fun and can make tasks easier. It also helps us engage with young people. Wait what? Yes, I said helps us engage with young people. We talk with our kids through technology. We search what the 3 and four capital letters our kids are communicating in (YKWIM) These technological changes have had a profound impact on our generation. We are more connected than ever before, thanks to social media and the internet. We can work from anywhere in the world, thanks to laptops, smartphones and google translate. We have access to more information than ever before, thanks to search engines and online libraries.

Technology has also changed the way we communicate and engage with our world and the communities in it. We text, email, and video chat more than we talk on the phone (Unless you are an X’er). We use emojis and memes to express ourselves. We share our lives with the world through social media.

Of course, not all of these changes have been positive. Technology can be addictive and isolating. It can be used to spread misinformation and hate speech. It can be a source of anxiety and stress. But as you know, I like to focus on healing toward progress and positivity.

Overall, I believe that technology has been a force for good in our lives. It has made us more connected to world, informed, and productive. It has given us new ways to learn, create, and communicate.

Generation X: The Tech-Savvy Survivors

Sometimes Generation X are stereotyped as cynical and jaded. Likely because we've seen a lot of change in our lifetimes. But  we've adapted to it all. We're resourceful, resilient, and adaptable. We're the generation that saw the rise of the internet, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the 9/11 attacks. We saw computer games starting with Pong, then, PacMan and now, Zelda! We've been through a lot, and we're still here!

We're still at the forefront and center of technological change. We're the ones who are adopting new technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality. We're the ones who are using technology to solve problems and make the world a better place.

So next time you hear someone talk about Generation X, remember this: we're the generation that saw it all. We're the generation that adapted to change. And we're the generation that's still shaping the future.

What do you think? How has technology changed your life?

I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

P.S. As a Gen Xer, thanks for taking the this nostalgic journey with me! Let's reminisce together!

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