Let me explain. So imagine this tv show with the plot taking place about like a few decades before the internet was invented. If I see that, I suddenly feel some sort of anxiety as in: “Damn, how did people even get information?”, like I suddenly imagine myself, there, as a child, and not having access to this seemlingly unlimited access to information that I currently have, and not to mention, entertainment content. So like, that feeling of feeling like I’m in the past (as in: I’m imagining myself being in the past), but not have access to the internet just gives me a very bad feeling. Idk how to describe it. As an introvert, I’d hate the pre-internet era.
For context, I’m Gen Z (I mean like birth year around 2000-2005), and I grew up reading a lot of Wikipedia and educational Youtube videos, and variety of news articles, and reading through a lot of internet forums. I hate imagining a world where I didn’t have that. Like Growing up 100 years ago, I would feel even more lonely and isolated, I’d probably have ended my own life out of boredom, if it weren’t for the endless amount of information I am able to obtain.
What is this weird feeling that I’m feeling?
Reverse-Nostalgia?
History-Phobia?
Techno-philia?
(Am I being weird? 🤔)
As a gen X, 47, part of the latch key generation. You just did things yourself and became resilient yourself. Parents always had a set of phone numbers to call if needed. You had access to a phone book but mostly you just called your friends and got a group together to do something with. Go fishing, Ride bikes, hangout, pickup baseball sandlot style, basketball, swimming, or Nintendo when it was hot out during the summer.
And we all taught each other stuff, some of us knew how to change a bike tire, some of us knew how to tie fishing knots and what baits to use. And we all had our way of getting some stuff for free or discounted stuff from a parents business, restraunt or arcade.
We all knew who’s dads had porno mags and where they were hidden. And on occasion we could sneak some cigarettes or beer.
There would be days during the summer I’d be out of the house before my parents and they wouldn’t see me well past sunset. Shit was just easier and the world less scary I guess.
As far as driving in cities we didn’t live in, I have no idea how my parents found shit. Lincoln, grand island I can find things easily without Gps. And any rural town with 300 miles of them. Omaha I can’t find shit without Gps
I struggle with my daughter because her mother is afraid of everything and that’s been passed to her. Some things I get, and I’m glad she has a phone with her, I’d like her to take more initiative in finding things to do herself and I push her and my wife to let her be more independent