It’s hard to believe there was a time when people managed to learn without email or instant messaging. Many of us occasionally ponder, “How did I ever live without the internet?”—a sentiment echoed by those of us who grew up before smartphones and Wi-Fi became the norm. Explaining this reality to our children, who have never experienced a world without Google or Facetime, can be both an amusing and frustrating endeavor. A particularly funny example of this was shared by Lisa Grant, who recounted a conversation between her friend and her college-aged son that is sure to elicit both laughter and sympathy. “I have the friend’s permission to share this with her son’s name obscured,” Grant noted. “It’s one of the most amusing exchanges I’ve come across recently.”
The text conversation began innocently when the son asked, “How did anyone manage their college work before email?” He seemed genuinely baffled. “What if a class was canceled or there was an error on the homework?” His mother kindly explained that students actually attended class, and if an issue arose, the instructor would leave a note on the door. This revelation left him astonished.
“What if it was at 8 AM? You’d have to get up early and walk all the way there?” he responded, clearly struggling to grasp this concept. “That is correct,” his mom replied. But the real hilarity ensued when he inquired how she would know what assignments to complete or which clubs she was involved in. She explained that teachers would post this information on a community bulletin board. His response? “I don’t even know what that is.” Even after she clarified what a bulletin board is, he remained confused. “But how would you read that without walking all the way to the building?”
Oh, sweet child, indeed, life was different back then.
This experience is relatable on many levels. I remember visiting an antique shop with my teenager, and we came across a rotary phone. I playfully offered her $10 if she could dial my number. She couldn’t figure it out! The concept of turning a dial all the way around was completely foreign to her. “Why would you ever call someone if it took so long? Why not just text them?” she asked. Bless her heart.
After some explanations about how she would have to physically go to a building (uphill, both ways, of course), I told her about how I got my first job after reading a simple index card pinned to a bulletin board. Her reaction was priceless. “What if they wanted to link something for more details?” she said, using the term “link” with such innocence. When discussing job hunting, she expressed, “I can’t imagine having to talk to someone for it.” While we understand her perspective, interpersonal skills remain essential, even today.
“The struggle is real when it comes to helping our kids realize how much easier they have it now,” Grant mused. And she’s absolutely right.
This article was originally published on Sep. 28, 2019.
For further insights into parenting and navigating modern family life, check out our other blog posts, like this one about home insemination. If you’re looking for more information on home insemination kits, this resource is an excellent authority on the topic. Additionally, you might find this guide useful for understanding the IVF process.
Summary:
The article humorously illustrates the challenges kids face in comprehending life before the internet through a conversation between a mother and her college-aged son. Their exchange reveals the vast differences in communication and information access, highlighting how much easier life has become in the digital age. The amusing misunderstandings serve as a reminder of the generational gap in experiences.