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I don't identify with people my age at all...

Vistance

Vistance

Super Member
*Long rant incoming*

To start off, I'm 22 but I swear I question it so much because I barely identify with people my age. After a presentation I saw today, they mentioned how much people my age love social media and are even starting to consider email outdated. I on the other hand, despise social media and literally have accounts only for the occasional things I need to communicate with a friend or relative. Unlike everyone my age, I don't love the idea of plastering all my pictures, info and everything else on the web - because honestly, who cares? I'm not so narcissistic that I think everyone finds what I do so interesting. I'm just some guy, and so are most other people. Who cares what food you're eating or that "You are glad summer is almost here" - so? These kind of silly social comments are the things you use as small talk with people, call me old-fashioned but I don't think Facebook is a replacement for talking to someone, in person, face-to-face. I also don't see the point in texting someone back and forth non-stop like I see others do - just call them if you have so much to say instead of walking around like some hunchbacked zombie staring at a phone with a 1000 yard stare. I also still prefer receiving bills and bank statements in the mail and am insulted by websites trying to convince me that I'm so "Hip and cool" that I'd be using online management for these things because of how into this technology thing we all are (I say all this and I actually work in the Computer Industry, a bit ironic I know).

I had to introduce myself as did the other people during this presentation today, and for an "introduction exercise" they wanted fun facts. So being terrible at thinking of something on the spot, I just said that I'm into high-end and vintage audio. Afterwards we did a sort of introduction game where we got the signature of the person who had these fun facts so we'd get to know them a little bit and actually talk to them. Literally every person I talked to was just like "Oh, neat!" in a "What does what you said even mean?" kind of way. In fact, one person took it to mean that I knew how to help them set up their car audio system. I politely said that while some things are similar, a lot is different about how they're set up.

I hear people older than me talk about old movies or music and how things used to be and they always respond to their own mentioning of said things with dismissal like that people our age don't care about Aerosmith because we're more into Lady Gaga. I usually identify with them, given I listen to a ton of '70s rock among the multitude of things I listen to. I mean I listen to jazz, all different kinds from fusion, to big band, to smooth, to bebop. No one ever talks about listening to jazz, and if I mention it to someone else they only know vaguely that jazz is some instrumental music that "they play in elevators" or something. And classical, HA also a genre that it seems people my age never listen to.

Does anyone else feel like this who's younger? Do you get along better with people who are quite a bit older than you than those your own age? I know there aren't as many of us my age on here, so tell me those older than me - do you tend to feel the same about some of these things? I've honestly met way more cool 40-60 year olds than I have 20-somethings, young people like myself seem to usually just favor being wacky or crazy or something. Though I wonder what my peers will be like when they're older, reminiscing on that classic LMFAO song or something...somehow I don't think "I'm sexy and I know it" will hold up to the test of time like "Hotel California", "Stairway to Heaven" and similar ilk.

Just needed to vent a bit, disappointing that among 20+ people my age of wildly varying backgrounds none of them even grasped the notion of home audio - or even anything better than the free earbuds on their iPods. No wonder all the stereo shops that used to be around are gone and I keep hearing about people using soundbars instead of traditional speakers...
 
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When I was your age, I felt the same way. Although, I did like music and movies that were popular with members of my age group, I did have an interest in people that are much older than I which introduced me to old time radio shows, the big bands and music of the 50's that most people who were my age never heard about.

Of course, I was always the kind of person that never went with the crowd anyways.
 
I am 25 and I completely identify with your first paragraph. Keep on keeping on, brother. Those Instagram/Facebook/Twitter/whatthefuckever junkies are going to pay for it someday. Or at least that's what I tell myself. That kind of extreme narcissism doesn't go unpunished. That probably sounds brutal, but I'm tired and can't come up with a tender way to say it. Humility is necessary for healthy relationships, plain and simple. Looking someone in the eye and speaking to them in person with the ability to articulate your thoughts are also necessary.

What part of the country do you live in?
 
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I live in the midwest, not the kind of place you'd expect people to be as obsessed with this stuff but it seems no where is immune (I do live near the largest city in the state, so that'll do it too I suppose). I got tired of seeing people in my courses at the university just looking at Facebook and texting throughout the class. If you're not going to pay attention, why come to class? The professors usually didn't take attendance so you didn't have to come if you didn't want to learn for the money you paid for a course. I think I'm perpetually not going to get along with my peers, because I remember as a teenager thinking other teenagers were extremely obnoxious and irresponsible and easily saw why adults disliked dealing with teens. Of course the "Oh, everyone is goofy when they're a teen and parties when they're in college" thing really gets old. Call me a stick in the mud, but I prefer intellectual pursuits over frivolous social get togethers that amount to nothing but meeting some fools who spend their days drinking themselves into a stupor. I drink, but only to enjoy the drink not to get drunk which is unheard of for people my age (At least based on everyone I've ever talked to, where being more of a drunk than someone else is how to be real cool).

I know I can't really fault companies for advertising to people my age, but I just despise people my age for being influenced by dumb advertisements. I just saw a commercial for Beats headphones that literally was nothing but some guys dancing while wearing the headphones and at the end it's just like "Beats by Dre. Go buy 'em". What? So disappointing that all it takes to sell people something is "Look, PRETTY" and even that was created by the manufacturer. Or the random endorsement prevalent in car commercials. I may not like the new Ford Focus, but all these people with Civics and Corollas totally loved it, so that means I'm wrong now because Sally, Bob, and Joe liked this car and that means even if I would prefer a competitors car I should reconsider because of those endorsements. Unlike a commercial which would provide benefits of your car over some other, they just spout off features and specs and company words for things that already exist (Like EcoBoost in the Ford example, AKA a turbocharger like whats been available for years). You can see why I probably decided not to go with marketing as a major...
 
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I honestly think that once we grow up, we'll all be on the same page. I want to believe that having real responsibilities will straighten people out.
 
I am 79 and of the same mindset as you. I have vintage audio gear, Cerwin Vega D-9 speakers, newly re-foamed, just aquired an Akai GX285D reel to reel deck in excellent condition, Sansui 9090 receiver. Most of my audio and amateur radio gear is about 30 years old. I am also into vinyl and have an Onkyo turn table with a Shure V15 (Microridge stylus which I bought in 2006 and you can't get anymore. Needles Doctor in Dinkytown in Minneapolis bought out all of Shures stock and jacked the price to $200 per stylus, and sold them all out.....and I was lucky enough to get one of them. I was going to get another, but by the time I asked, they were all gone. I was fortunate to get one of the last 10 or so they had in stock!
 
nickrobotron said:
I honestly think that once we grow up, we'll all be on the same page. I want to believe that having real responsibilities will straighten people out.
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I sure hope so, it's just a shame some people act immature for the majority of their life. And they always want to rail against people their age who are mature for being lame. Mostly because being mature takes some effort. I just hope this social media thing burns out in favor of something else so people will stop just staring at it at all times.
 
Don't confuse maturity for not participating in social media. That word should have some weight to it. Just consider yourself "not a dumbass". :)
 
I am 28 and I relate to what you are saying in many ways. I was only a teenager when I became a member here, and have always appreciated the maturity level. I too keep my presence on social media to a minimum and mostly just use it to keep in touch with family and close friends when needed. Then again, how different is it to come onto a forum like this and type up a post here about random thoughts instead?

It also seems like you are embracing age-based stereotypes a bit too much. Certainly, people in their 20's listen to more than just Hip-Hop. There are many modern rock bands, etc. You also make it sound like older folks don't listen to anything but oldies. I'm 2 years away from 30... I wonder if in 10 years when I'm approaching 40 if I'll hit the point where it's no longer socially acceptable for me to listen to modern/new music, and I have to just leave it on the "oldies" station for the rest of my life :rolleyes:
 
bogle111 said:
Know yourself, be yourself and like yourself, it's a long partnership.
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Try to identify with yourself, with your "True Self" Vistance. It is a long lasting process but at the end you will realise that it is the most precious thing in your life, because everything else emerges from the realisation of this Self.
 
Pretty interesting post and comments. I find it refreshing that some of the younger generation dont feel the "need" to partake of everything that is "modern technology". For the record, I can remember when Skylab fell out of orbit. That should give you an idea of my age. I do embrace some of the technology we have today. I, for one, do like the convenience of paying bills online. At least I dont have to worry what the Post Office will charge for a stamp this month. I have shunned all forms of social media for the exact same reason the OP does. You have hit the nail on the head. Who really cares what anyone does? I dont feel the need to announce my every thought and action to the world. My philosophy is, if you were meant to know what I think and feel, you would know. Since you dont know, well, now you know why you dont know. I carry a cell phone only when at work or, sometimes, when I go out. Sometimes, I leave it at home. I do still have a regular telephone. When I get home, the cell is turned off. If anyone needs to get a hold of me, they can call my home phone. If they dont have my home phone number, that is because I dont want to talk to them.

I am glad that there are people, both younger and older, who dont feel that they need to rely on technology so much. The OP has raised some very true and valid points about the over-reliance some people have with technology. I'll bet the vast majority of these people who walk around with a cell phone glued to their face and who use it for EVERYTHING, would be absolutely lost if they had to go just one day without it. You dont know how many times I heard someone say "My cell phone is my life, I couldnt do anything if I lost it." They have everything on their phone. Just press a button and it will do what they want. These people dont even know their friends phone number, they just use speed dial. GPS on phones is something I like, but it can NEVER replace the skill of actually using a map and compass. People rely too much on all the little gadgets. If they were to lose the use of them for one day, they would really be lost because their phone wouldnt be able to tell them how to get from point A to point B.

To the OP, you have restored my faith in the younger generation. You have proven that not everyone needs to use technology in all aspects of their life. It is great to see people actually LIVING their life instead of letting all this technology live it for you.
 
I set up at a flea market in the summer and sell records, cassettes, books, some stereo gear, etc. The last 2 years my book sales dried up and I almost gave up on them. This year has been an eye opener. I'm seeing a bunch of younger customers, say 18-24, buying up my stock. I almost sold out of books last week. I brought 3 turntables and 2 sold. Records sold by the dozen. Of course I'm happy from the financial standpoint, but from the social end of it, it makes me feel good to see many of these "kids" not giving up on alternative media.

I'm a social kind of guy and like to talk to my customers. These kids are interesting, know a good deal about the music they are buying, and have schooled me in newer music. Some have told me they feel like they were born in the wrong generation. I just tell them that things weren't that great back in the love generation. They should be proud that they don't let age dictate how they live their lives and what they enjoy reading or listening to.

Maybe there is hope that the young people on their way up aren't totally buying into the need to lock step with the computer and social media system that has consumed our culture. I know I'm feeling better about it knowing there are still well-informed, open minded people coming up through the ranks.
 
In the 70s my newly divorced dad and I used to raid each others record collections. He had a great collection of 45s which I still treasure. I think he borrowed my records to stay current so he could relate to my generation. It was difficult to rebel against a cool dad. I always thought you were supposed to rebel against your parents but it sounds like you're rebelling against your peers.

I think my dad's and my generations were fairly similar. However, the hyper-socialization of today's daycare drop offs - the soccer-bopper latchkeys - seems to feed into social media, producing a truly different sort of citizen. It's reassuring to see some push-back against the trend.
 
Your a geek. I'm a geek. We are all geeks. :) My 'geek' shifts between audio, art and motorcycles and every now and then, RC planes. I'll get too focused on one or another and step out of society for weeks at a time.

It's normal. At least for a few of us...
 
I'm 31, and also largely agree with the OP. I don't have a smartphone and I'm not on any social media sites. I use various forums (as my post count indicates) but no Facebook or Twitter or whatever. I don't assume people are that concerned with what I'm doing, and frankly I'm not that interested in every little detail about what others do. I go on break at work, and there is seldom conversation in the break room. All I hear are phones and the occasional chuckle. Whats even more bizzare is when people sitting at the same table in the same room send each other text messages or pictures.

I'm not surprised that not everyone is into the over socialization thing though. There has never been something that is universally accepted, so it stands to reason that some folks just aren't interested. Seems many congregate here, and thats fine by me. Maybe its something to do with this hobby being one that isn't really multi-tasking friendly. Its very hard to really listen to music while you're sucked into Facebook drama. I read while listening to music, and when I do that, the music is just background noise. I've run entire stacks of albums before and not had a clue what I had even heard. On the other hand, I've tried doing that and not had any idea what I read in the last chapter because I was paying more attention to the music. I also do repairs on stuff, and when you're deep into a piece of gear, it sort of demands full attention if you want to put it back together properly.
 
I think age is more mental than a physical thing. I've never been much for what anyone in my age group has done. i am on Facebook though at the urging a long ago girlfriend and I got on Myspace way back in the day because I had to for the place I worked.
 
.....Vistance, I've read every word you've said, and it seems to me you're just not comfortable around people your own age....there's plenty of young people around your age that don't have their head stuck in a screen all day, don't get drunk every night, and love good musical sound reproduction of more than one genre....I've always appreciated being around older people, but generally it was when I was trying to learn something....don't get me wrong, I considered them friends, but I rarely had the feeling of being hang-around buddies....I've always appreciated the most, friendships with people around my age, and that's where the life-long friendships mostly come from, imo.....

.....there's "no" good reason for us to be uncomfortable around any other human being, no matter what their position in life or race....alas and alack, they're trying to get through this life as best they can, just like you and me....there is also no good reason to think we're "better or lesser" than any other human being.....

.....good post, Bobsvinyl.....
 
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I'll be 52 in a couple of months, and I know several younger people who feel as the OP does, more or less. A generation does not produce only one kind of people, despite the way we as a society generalize them (I am guilty of that at times as well).

I read about 'kids today' and see videos on FB and other places of kids who appear to have no common sense, no concept of civility or kindness, monsters who frankly frighten the hell out of me; I don't want to be old and helpless in a generation of these horrible people once they come of age and run things. But then I see young men and women selflessly serving our nation in uniform, getting involved in issues they care about, helping others in the community, and I realize that 'kids today' are never just one thing, and it's probably always been the case. We hear about the bad ones, but there are good ones too; probably far more of them.


I was raised in the late 1960s through the 1970s. Too young to be a teenager during the Hippy era, joined the Marine Corps four years after the Fall of Saigon, and had been out of the service and gotten too out of shape for the two Gulf Wars. About all that came from 'my' generation (I believe they call it Generation Jones, strange as that sounds) was Disco, for which I am extremely apologetic.

I don't mind having discussions about 'my' generation with younger people, some of whom seem to have an affinity for my heyday over their own. About all that ever bothers me is when someone younger than I am tries to explain to me, patiently, as one would speak to a moron, how things were back then. Yeah, I was kinda there, and they kinda were not, so puhleeze.

Funny thing is, I was speaking to my wife about this last night; I was in a thrift shop recently, and I heard this twenty-something young man speaking to a woman I presume was his mother, and he pointed at something and asked "What's that?" She replied, "It's a typewriter." Long pause. Then, the son asked, "What's it for?" :sigh:

Couple years ago, I was on a plane getting ready to push back from the gate. I had an old film camera with me and I was taking some photos out of the window. The flight attendant told me I'd have to turn my camera off. I tried to explain it was mechanical and had no batteries in it, so nothing to 'turn off'. She could not quite grasp that concept. Of COURSE it had batteries in it, everything has batteries in it. To keep things calm, I said "click" and told her it was off, and put it in my laptop bag. :thmbsp:

Oh, and just so I can end this on a rant (because I'm an old man, I like to rant), one other thing that gets up my sleeve from time to time is anyone in their twenties telling me how hard life is. I just smile though; because I know what's in store for them. Life kicks us all in the snarglies. Hard and often. It stops hurting after awhile. But you don't know that when you're in your twenties, you just think you do. :thmbsp:

I think I am starting to understand what my dad used to mean when he'd tell me "Son, you don't know what pain is, yet. But you will."
 
It's a shame that you are not getting along with the people of your own age. Getting old too fast is not a good thing. You can miss out on too much of life that way. There are great people and great experiences at every age. Get out and enjoy being the age that you are. You will have plenty of time in the coming years to be old.
 
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