10 Things That Drive Ohioan Baby Boomers Crazy (But Other Generations Accept)

Ohio baby boomers have witnessed massive changes in technology, work culture, and social etiquette over their lifetime—and they’re not shy about sharing how they feel.

While millennials and Gen Z adapt relatively easily since they were raised when many of these shifts were happening, boomers frequently voice their displeasure.

Here are some common complaints from baby boomers about society that younger generations find totally normal.

Smartphones at the Dinner Table

Baby boomers often complain about people being glued to their phones during meals. They grew up in a time when dinner meant face-to-face conversations, not scrolling through social media.

To them, phones at the table feel disrespectful and disconnected.

Boomers often emphasize the importance of eye contact and meaningful conversation during meals—and they’re not wrong.

In contrast, younger generations see smartphones as an extension of their social lives. Millennials and Gen Z accept this tech integration as normal, seeing it as multitasking or simply staying connected.

Remote Work

For boomers, going into an office every day was a major part of their working lives. Many baby boomers believe remote work reduces productivity, makes workers lazy, and ruins workplace connections.

For them, showing up physically proves commitment. Face-to-face meetings, casual workplace conversations, and office camaraderie are highly valued by this generation.

On the other hand, millennials and Gen Z workers grew up with technology that makes remote work possible, so they’re comfortable working from home or anywhere else.

Younger workers accept flexible workplaces as beneficial for their productivity and mental health, noting advantages like reduced commuting time, better work-life balance, and increased autonomy.

The catch? In-person office settings have their advantages, too.

Tipping Everywhere

Boomers frequently complain about being asked to tip everywhere, from coffee shops to food trucks. They grew up tipping mainly at restaurants, so the practice of tipping at counters or drive-throughs feels excessive to them.

For boomers, tipping was historically reserved for exceptional service rather than expected at every interaction.

Younger generations simply see tipping as part of modern etiquette.

Millennials and Gen Z have adapted to an economy where tipping helps service workers earn a living wage, and they view tipping as an everyday courtesy rather than a special gesture.

Online Privacy and Social Media Sharing

Baby boomers frequently voice concerns about online privacy and oversharing on social media. They grew up in an era where privacy meant keeping personal details to yourself.

The idea of posting photos, personal achievements, or daily activities publicly feels uncomfortable and unsafe to them.

In contrast, millennials and Gen Z have grown up using social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.

These generations generally accept that sharing online is part of building their identity and social connections, seeing online visibility as normal rather than risky, even though the opposite is sometimes true.

Texting Instead of Calling

Boomers often complain about younger generations’ preference for texting rather than making phone calls. They view phone conversations as warmer, clearer, and more personal.

To boomers, texting seems impersonal, abrupt, and prone to misunderstandings.

However, millennials and Gen Z prefer texting precisely because it’s quick, efficient, and allows multitasking.

Younger generations find texts less intrusive, easier to manage throughout the day, and more comfortable for quick, casual interactions.

Declining Interest in Driving

Baby boomers often express confusion and annoyance about younger generations’ decreasing interest in driving and owning cars.

Boomers grew up in a culture that viewed driving as a rite of passage and a symbol of independence. To them, not wanting a car feels odd or lazy.

Millennials and Gen Z, however, accept alternative transportation methods.

Younger people often prefer public transit, ridesharing apps, or living in walkable areas, viewing cars as expensive, environmentally unfriendly, and less necessary than boomers did.

Casual Dress Codes

Boomers sometimes gripe about how casual clothing has become, particularly in workplaces and events.

They were taught to dress formally for work, seeing suits and dresses as symbols of professionalism and respect. Boomers often link attire directly to success and credibility.

Millennials and Gen Z accept casual dress as normal and even preferable.

To younger generations, comfort and personal expression matter most. Many believe casual attire can enhance creativity and productivity without compromising professionalism.

Digital Payments

Baby boomers often complain about digital payments, preferring cash or checks. They fear online transactions could lead to privacy issues or fraud.

For them, physical money feels safer and more reliable, and technology feels complicated and less trustworthy.

On the flip side, younger generations prefer digital payments.

Millennials and Gen Z embrace digital payments for their convenience, speed, and enhanced security features like encryption and fraud protection. They consider cashless transactions efficient and practical for modern living.

Customer Service Chatbots

Boomers frequently express frustration with chatbots and automated customer service systems.

They prefer talking to a real person because it feels personal and direct. They often complain about getting stuck in automated loops and the impersonal nature of technology.

Younger people are used to interacting with technology for customer service.

Gen Z and millennials appreciate the quick, efficient help from chatbots, especially for minor issues, saving time and effort in resolving problems.

Streaming Services Instead of Cable TV

Baby boomers regularly complain about the complexity of streaming services.

They feel overwhelmed by subscriptions and navigating multiple apps, longing for simpler times when cable TV offered everything in one place. For boomers, managing multiple platforms is confusing and time-consuming.