Parenthood
Son asks dad what it was like growing up in the 80s and what he showed him is spot-on
I remember all of this quite well. Some of it more clearly than I’d like to admit.
Jessica Adler
01.09.24

The rapid pace of technological advancement has left each generation with its own unique set of gadgets and gizmos.

That little fact has one Gen X dad at a crossroads.

How does one begin to explain the seismic shifts in technology to a generation born into a world of touchscreens and instant streaming?

It’s a conundrum that goes beyond mere generational differences, touching on the very essence of how technology shapes our lives.

TikTok - Justin H
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TikTok - Justin H

Bring to mind how Netflix was just a glimmer in the tech universe.

A humble DVD-by-mail service, it was far from the streaming colossus it is today.

Now, how do you convey the charm of the VHS era, where rewinding tapes was part of the viewing ritual, to someone for whom movies have always been just a click away?

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It’s like trying to explain the thrill of waiting for a favorite song on the radio to someone who’s grown up with playlists tailored to their every whim.

And then there are the phones. Oh, the phones!

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From bulky bricks that barely fit in a handbag to sleek devices that are almost an extension of ourselves.

These gadgets have transformed not just in appearance but in the very role they play in our lives.

They’ve reshaped how we interact, connect, and even perceive the world around us.

To the kids of today, a world without smartphones is as alien as a world without electricity.

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But here’s the thing- while today’s youth might navigate apps and interfaces with an ease that leaves older generations in awe, there’s a depth to the journey of technology they might not fully grasp.

They didn’t witness the birth of the internet, the evolution of personal computers, or the transition from landlines to cell phones.

These aren’t just technological milestones; they’re chapters in a story of human innovation and adaptation.

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With that in mind, this Gen X dad is armed on a mission to bridge this understanding gap.

He turns to the universal language of our times – memes and videos.

He crafts a visual odyssey, a compilation of every quintessential 80s meme, to give his kid a glimpse into his own childhood.

It’s a journey through time, showcasing the quirks and wonders of a decade that feels like a different world now.

TikTok - Justin H
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TikTok - Justin H

This video is a time capsule, a way to show how far we’ve come in just a few decades.

It’s about the evolution of entertainment, communication, and lifestyle, all wrapped up in a format that speaks to the App generation.

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As this dad’s video makes its rounds on the internet, it becomes a shared experience, a point of connection between generations.

In another 40 years, today’s kids will find themselves in a similar spot, trying to explain the world of their childhood to a new generation, baffled by the past yet curious about the roots of their digital world.

For now, though, we’ll stick with memes and humor.

Flashback to the 80s in the video below!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

@shadyraro The 80’s was the best decade #80s #80skid #oldschool #genx #parents #funny #family #foryou #fyp ♬ original sound – ilovethe80s

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