Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z, Don’t See The Internet The Same Way

/ Carmen Suarez

I think for people of my generation (Gen X) the internet and social media in general feels like just another tool.

For me, it’s no different than a TV, a microwave, or a Boom box. It’s just another avenue to get information, to be creative, to meet new people, to listen to music, etc.

But, as I sat at dinner with my good friend Andrea, talking about a volatile livestream that happened the other night, I started wondering if Millennials and Gen Z see the internet as the core of their livelihood. Whereas Gen X sees the interwebs as a mere tool and an extension of our toolbox of possibilities, for the younger generation, maybe it’s not just a tool, but a doorway, a real-life everyday part of their natural existence. The internet for Gen Z and Millennials is like walking out your door and into the world.  It’s part of their everyday life and all-encompassing just like my life is every day? Is that it?  

I say this because I’m trying to understand the disconnect. There are so many people who spend much of their lives online that they seem confused by the definitions of basic relationships. For example, I don’t understand how someone is “dating” someone they’ve never physically met in person or how obsessed people are about friendships online with people they’ve never truly interacted with in any real way.  Exchanging a few emails, being online in a chat for a few hours does not equate to us being best friends. You’re an acquaintance at best, but to me, friendships of any depth require much, much more…

I’m not saying that one way is right or wrong. I know personally, being online is just a part of my every day. It is not my only interaction with human beings and not where I have my most intimate and important relationships. The truth is, I honestly don’t know which is right or wrong – but I see what harm it’s causing to all involved in navigating the internet and “real” outside life. As a Gen X-er who grew up in a world without cell phones, without the Internet, and didn’t have a microwave till college, the Internet is both a wonderful adventure and a scary proposition most days.

I can’t imagine it being the only source of all my friendships, all my intimate and romantic relationships, and the only place I have connections with others. But I’m trying to imagine, if I grew up with the internet all around me and it was part of my everyday experience, would I view relationships I make online the same as relationships I make in person?  Is this why so many people are confused by what defines a relationship nowadays? Maybe.

It’s an interesting time, to say the least. So many people are walking in pain in the valley and hills of the interwebs and they can’t seem to find their footing no matter how hard they try.  I keep telling them to find some “real” friends in the “real” world, but maybe that’s not fair or even an option and not the solution to the problem.   

Hmmmm.  Curious what others might think…

Carmen

Carmen Lezeth Suarez is the Host and Creator of All About The Joy, a live-streaming and podcast production. Carmen is also a consultant and speaker working with individuals and businesses providing organizational and management services.

11 thoughts on “Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z, Don’t See The Internet The Same Way”

  1. This is interesting. I agree, the internet does feel like a tool. I think our view is unique because we grew up w/o the internet. We had to figure out how to do things with what little we had. I laughed when someone said if you ever drank out of a garden hose, you probably are Gen X. We definitely have a different perspective.

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  2. This is an interesting thought and one that is perhaps something can could come under philosophical debate as it begs the question what is reality? Like you the real world is outside of the internet and it’s very much a told for information and interaction but with so many of the younger generations losing themselves in the world inside the internet it’s real to them in the same way. It’s very concerning but I fear that things are moving more and more in the electronically connected direction which means the phone / computer / whatever is now the way to access their real lives for some. Perhaps that’s why so many struggle with our reality?

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    • I agree with you! Things are moving towards a more electronically connected world. For sure! I do think that’s why so many struggle along. I hope it gets better some how as we get more used to it… but wow. It’s a real disconnect between Gen X and….everyone else? I hope you’re doing well Simon! 🤗

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      • Disconnect seems to be the nature of the human race right now and as long as people are not mindful with how they connect I fear it will continue.
        I’m doing ok thanks… I hope you’re good xo

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  3. I feel as if I straddle both worlds. The internet has been a way for me to connect with people however that doesn’t necessarily translate to others. Online as in real life people have the unfortunately ability to let people know where they sit with you. In real life as in online you definitely have to be careful who you associate with.

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    • Fascinating on several levels Jack. I think for me, I’m probably less trusting of online people than in real life. Still cautious. I mean, if I meet someone in a bar versus and online live stream I’m more likely to give the person at the bar more leverage? That may not be fair, but it’s interesting to think about. Thank you Jack! 🤗

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  4. I think a big part of it happens when ppl are stuck at home and have no other means of meeting ppl. I know during COVID my online friendships became more closer to me bc I wasn’t able to get out like before, but I find too many rely solely on them, when nothing will beat a person to person relationship. My youngest nephew is 17 and his generation has this disconnect and it made it hard for him to transition into working, building in person relationships.

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    • Ash, that’s such a GREAT point of view! I forget that Covid also changed the game! I fear that at some point person-to-person relationships will take a back-seat to online “friendships”. I think I already see that. My 15 year old niece craves shows like Friends because she thinks that’s how we all hung out in the 80’s and 90’s. (ha!). In coffee shops and at friends apartments in the city. Hahahaha! But compared to what’s happening now, I guess she’s not wrong. We did hang out in the neighborhood. We did sit on the stoop and chat, we did hang in the playground at night with our friends listening to music… we went to the movies, road our bikes… hung out at the local corner store…. so… yeah…. Covid probably made things so much worse. 😔

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  5. I totally agree. The Internet has empowered people to grow beyond their horizons and see the world in a light that is full of light and unlimited knowledge. That is, if you know where to look and howto share ideas with people of all ages.

    This is the “two-cents worth” from a Baby Boomer.

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    • And you’re one of my favorite Baby Boomers! But, yes, you’re absolutely right. I think we have it easier because the internet isn’t our compass. It’s not where we get validation or acknowledgement of our worthiness. I am stunned at the conversations I’ve had to have this week – and interestingly enough, the toxicity of the internet to me, seems much more vile than the “gangs” I grew up around. At least then, you knew who you were talking to, what they were about, etc., now… it’s so ambiguous on several levels.

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