They Call Me Mr. Boomer

It’s too fast — the technology and the development; I can't catch up. And the world pressurizes and pushes us to learn more and more. But I can’t — I’m done.

And that’s why they call me “boomer”.

At fifty, I find myself in an interesting spot. The world around me buzzes with technological wonders that once seemed like pure fantasy. Despite my deep involvement in the digital age, I’m often called a “boomer.” This term, meant for those older than me, seems to apply to anyone over forty in the eyes of today’s youth. It often suggests we’re out of touch with the latest tech.

This amuses me. My life and career have been deeply intertwined with technology, from the early days of personal computers to today’s digital marvels. But still, this label persists, highlighting a perceived generational gap.

Growing up, technology felt like uncharted territory. I remember the excitement of my first Atari game console, the awkward charm of floppy disks, and the noisy ritual of connecting to the internet via a dial-up modem. These weren’t just gadgets; they were gateways to new possibilities. We were the pioneers, navigating the wilds of the digital frontier. Now, holding a smartphone with more power than the computers that took us to the moon, I marvel at how far we’ve come.

Yet, these experiences are often lost on the younger generation, who have never known a world without constant connectivity and instant information. To them, my nostalgic tales of early tech adventures are like stories of ancient history. They move through the digital world with an ease that sometimes feels foreign to me, their fingers effortlessly flying over touchscreens, their minds instantly grasping the latest apps and platforms.

Being called a “boomer” by these digital natives can be frustrating, but it’s also eye-opening. It highlights how quickly technology evolves and how differently each generation relates to it. I’ve witnessed the birth of the internet, social media's rise, and artificial intelligence's dawn. Yet, to many younger people, my experiences are as distant as the moon landings were to me as a child.

This gap isn’t just about the technology itself but about how we interact with it. For me, technology was something to be learned and mastered. For today’s youth, it’s a natural part of life. They don’t remember a time before Google, Facebook, or smartphones. This immersion breeds a different kind of relationship with technology — one that’s seamless and intuitive.

But here’s the interesting part: this generational divide can bring us together. Being called a “boomer” can spark conversations, bridging the gap between past and present. I’ve had many enlightening chats with younger friends and colleagues where we share our perspectives. They teach me about the latest trends and tools, while I share stories from the early days of the digital revolution.

Moreover, being labeled a “boomer” pushes me to keep learning and adapting. It’s a reminder that while I have a solid foundation in technology, the landscape is always changing. I embrace this challenge with the same excitement I had when I first booted up my Commodore 64. I explore new software, try out the latest gadgets, and seek to understand the digital habits of younger generations. This ongoing learning process is both invigorating and humbling.

Ultimately, being called a “boomer” isn’t an insult. It’s a nod to the incredible journey of technological progress we’ve all experienced. It reminds me of where we’ve come from and encourages me to stay engaged with where we’re going. As I look to the future, I do so with the wisdom of experience and the curiosity of a lifelong learner. The digital landscape may have changed, but the spirit of exploration remains the same.

So, call me a boomer if you like. I’ll wear the label with pride, knowing it marks a life lived through one of the most transformative periods in history. And as we continue to move forward into new technological territories, I’ll be right there — questioning, learning, adapting, and always ready to bridge the generational divide.

I’m not a boomer, but a late bloomer.