Gen Z’s adoption of point-and-shoot cameras and clamshell phones represents an underlying trend — and one that’s healthy for tech.
If you didn’t know already, there’s a trend right now among Gen Z to essentially throw out the latest tech in favor of old favorites. Think ditching the latest smartphones for old clamshell beaters, or opting for that retro point-and-shoot camera for their snaps — the first truly digitally native generation is exploring new ways to interact with technology right now.
To me, a millennial, this is totally rad. Some tech journalists may dismiss this new trend as a fad for Luddism, but we’ve known for years the potential mental health implications of things like heavy social media use or gaming addiction. We’re increasingly reliant on technology in our lives, for better or worse, so it’s important we think about said implications on society.
When I read reports that younger people are increasingly eschewing social media I don’t initially dismiss it as a fad or fashion choice. Instead, I get excited that the ‘younger’ generations are thinking about technology more objectively.
I won’t lie, however, it’s also drawn me into an introspective mood as I think about my own generation’s often troubled relationship with technology. Perhaps it’s because we’re at the start of a new year that I’m reflective, but I can’t shake the thought we have a thing or two to learn from Gen Z’s increasing tech-skepticism. At the very least, perhaps we can be inspired to appreciate some golden oldies as we navigate the big questions around how technology affects our lives.
Tech is about empowering us — making our lives more convenient — but that convenience has arguably come with a burgeoning cost these past few years.
