15 Everyday Tasks That Completely Baffle Gen Z

Ah, Generation Z, the digital natives of our world. They can swipe, tap, and scroll before they can even walk. They’ve grown up in an era where answers are just a quick Google search away, and ‘there’s an app for that’ is more than just a catchy phrase—it’s a way of life. But what happens when we strip away the digital comfort blanket? How do they fare in the ‘analog’ world, so to speak?

Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into a list of 15 everyday tasks that leave Gen Z scratching their heads in confusion.

Backing up a Car Without a Rear-View Camera

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It’s a sight to behold when a member of the younger generation is presented with the challenge of backing up a car without the aid of a rear-view camera. The reliance on technology has made the art of using side mirrors and turning around to look out the back window a foreign concept to them.

Navigating to a Destination Without GPS

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Hand a millennial or Gen Z a paper map and ask them to get to a destination without GPS. You’ll likely be met with a look of confusion. The art of map reading and understanding road signs is slowly fading away with the ubiquity of GPS and navigation apps.

Reading an Analog Clock

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In a world dominated by digital displays, the humble analog clock is becoming a puzzle for the younger generation. The skill of telling time by interpreting the position of the hour and minute hands is becoming less common.

Writing in Cursive

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Cursive writing, once a mainstay of penmanship lessons, is now a cryptic script for many in the younger generation. As typing has taken over, the flowing, elegant script is often replaced with block letters or not written at all.

Using a Manual Camera

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In an era of point-and-click digital photography, the manual camera is an enigma to the younger generation. The idea of adjusting aperture, shutter speed, and film speed to capture the perfect shot is a lost art to them.

Using a Card Catalog in a Library

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The card catalog system, once the heart of the library, is now an unfamiliar sight to the younger generation. With digital databases, the art of sifting through index cards to locate a book is becoming obsolete.

Writing a Letter by Hand

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In the age of emails and instant messaging, the art of writing a letter by hand is becoming less common among the younger generation. The thought of putting pen to paper, writing a message, addressing an envelope, and mailing it might seem overly time-consuming to them.

Listening to a Radio for Music

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With the advent of music streaming services, the younger generation might find the idea of tuning into a radio station to listen to music quite quaint. The unpredictability of the playlist and the charm of radio DJs is a far cry from the personalized playlists they’re used to.

Cooking Without a Recipe App

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While many of us might be used to cooking from memory or a cookbook, the younger generation often relies on recipe apps or online tutorials. The idea of cooking without step-by-step digital guidance might be a challenge for some.

Remembering Phone Numbers

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With smartphones storing all of our contact information, the younger generation might struggle with the task of remembering phone numbers. The practice of memorizing important numbers for quick recall is becoming less common.

Driving a Manual Transmission Car

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As automatic cars become more prevalent, fewer young people are learning how to drive a manual transmission car. The skill of shifting gears and working a clutch is becoming less common.

Using Cash for Transactions

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In a world moving towards digital payments and contactless cards, the younger generation might find the concept of carrying and using cash for transactions a bit outdated. The practice of counting change and managing physical money is becoming less frequent.

Watching Live Television

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With the rise of streaming platforms, the younger generation is less accustomed to watching live television. The idea of waiting for a specific time to watch a show or dealing with commercial breaks might seem strange to them.

Making Conversation with Strangers

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In an age of social media and digital communication, the younger generation might find it challenging to engage in spontaneous conversation with strangers. The art of small talk and face-to-face interaction is becoming less common.

Using Non-Smart Home Appliances

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With the rise of smart home technology, the younger generation might find it unusual to use non-smart home appliances. The idea of manually adjusting a thermostat or starting a washing machine without a smartphone might seem outdated to them.