The baby boomer generation is categorized as those born between 1946-1964, but sometimes you don't need to know a person's age to know which generation they fit into.
You might recall a parent or grandparent asking, "What is the TikTok," or putting the phone to their ear during a video call. No need to ask which year they were born with such classic boomer behavior on display.
It's no secret that boomers often get a bad rep as they're easily stereotyped by the younger generations, but Newsweek asked generative AI tool ChatGPT to outline the 10 key ways to spot a boomer.
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At first, we asked ChatGPT the following prompt: "Tell me 10 ways I might spot a 'boomer'—someone who is from the boomer generation. In your response, please consider factors ranging from social indicators, fashion, entertainment, language use and media consumption."
10 Signs That You're a Boomer, According to ChatGPT
ChatGPT proposed a list of 10 indicators that highlight whether someone is a boomer, ranging from their hobbies, how they use social media and even the decor they might have in their home (which they most likely own and don't have to rent).
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Newsweek has listed the 10 identifying factors as suggested by the AI tool below:
Music Preferences
Boomers often have a strong affinity for classic rock, Motown and folk music from the 60s and 70s. Artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Aretha Franklin frequently feature in their playlists.
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Fashion Choices
While fashion is personal and diverse, boomers may often prefer classic, timeless styles. They might favor comfortable, well-made clothing like polo shirts, loafers and denim. Some might also still have an affection for fashion trends from the 60s and 70s, such as bell-bottoms or tie-dye.
Media Consumption
Boomers are more likely to consume traditional media like newspapers, cable TV and radio. They might watch classic TV shows and movies from the 60s, 70s and 80s and enjoy shows on cable news channels.
Technology Usage
While many Boomers are tech-savvy, they may be less inclined to use the latest gadgets or social media platforms like TikTok. They often prefer Facebook and might use email more frequently than texting or messaging apps.
Language and Expressions
Boomers may use expressions that were popular in the past, such as "cool," "groovy," or "right on." They might also reference cultural touchstones like "the Summer of Love" or "Woodstock."
Social Attitudes
Many boomers experienced significant social and political movements, such as the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War protests and the feminist movement. They might reference these events and have particular views shaped by that era.
Cultural References
Boomers might make references to iconic events or figures from their youth, such as the moon landing, Watergate or Woodstock. They often have a deep appreciation for historical moments that defined their generation.
Communication Style
Boomers might prefer phone calls over texting and often value face-to-face communication. They may also write in full sentences and use proper punctuation, even in casual digital communication.
Home Decor and Collectibles
Boomers might have decor or collectibles from the mid-20th century. This could include items like vinyl records, vintage furniture and classic artwork.
Lifestyle and Hobbies
Many boomers are entering into or are already in retirement. They may have hobbies like gardening, golfing or traveling. Some might also be involved in volunteering or community service, reflecting a strong sense of civic duty.
ChatGPT added that these "subtle and not-so-subtle indicators" are only potential indicators of a person's age, and they are not definitive. It said we must "remember that people are individuals" and not every boomer will match this description.
'Old Habits Die Hard'
While many of the suggestions are stereotypical, generational trends expert Daniel Levine told Newsweek that there are "factors that separate every generation." He suggested that these identities are created from the unique social understandings and the mindsets that people will only have if they grew up during a certain time.
Generational differences don't have to be pejorative, but they can stem from a sense of unity and shared values.
Levine said: "Generations are created from shared cultural experiences. People from the same generation understand each other's references to everything from politics to pop culture. They are part of their own in-crowds."
Director of Avant-Guide Institute Levine agrees with many of the ideas proposed by ChatGPT, as he joked that boomers much prefer reading a physical newspaper while enjoying a morning coffee and they rely on their children to provide in-house tech support.
"Boomers are usually still on Facebook, they pick up the phone just to chat, they probably know how to read a map and they keep all their appliance manuals. Old habits die hard, I suppose," Levine continued.
It's not an exact science, and undoubtedly there will be boomers who disagree with many of these notions—or perhaps Gen Zers who are petrified to think that they fit the description instead.
Don't worry, boomers, you aren't the only ones who get berated. We all remember how attacked millennials felt when Gen Z came for their beloved skinny jeans.
"Stereotypes go both ways, and I'm all for cultural pluralism and mutual respect. Generations make fun of each other, and that's OK," Levine said.
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