Has Any Other Previous Technology Created as Large a Generational Divide as the Internet Has?

When discussing the impact of technology on society, it is interesting to consider whether any previous innovation has created as significant a generational divide as the internet has. In my opinion, generational divides usually arise from major cultural shifts, where younger generations adopt and embrace new technologies with enthusiasm, while older generations are more resistant to change, often clinging to what they know and are familiar with.

As a child of the 1950s and 1960s, I lived through the generational divide that emerged around 1957 to 1968. Technologies such as transistor radios, portable record players, and 45 RPM records were key in spreading rock’n’roll, a musical genre that was widely disliked by older generations. This was a period of social and political upheaval, marked by racial tensions, the anti-war movement, and assassinations, which further contributed to a sense of turbulence.

Key Technologies Causing Generational Divides

While the internet is indeed a significant factor in today's generational divide, there have been other technologies that have had a substantial impact on society, often leading to notable generational divides. Let's explore some of these technologies from the 20th century:

1. Premium/Special Interest Cable and Satellite TV Stations

In the 1980s, cable TV began to be associated primarily with Baby Boomers who could afford the luxury of watching uncut theatrical release films and adult content. This was a time when MTV was a catchphrase for Generation-X, but there were also individuals skeptical of the idea of paying for television when local broadcasts, network affiliates, and PBS already provided an array of programs at no cost.

2. Video Games

During the 1980s and early 1990s, video games became increasingly popular among both arcade and home systems. My father, for instance, was not fond of video games. He explained that these games made young people believe they were mastering technology, when in fact, they were only teaching them how to play a specific game. He feared that video games distracted children from school and physical activities. As video games became more sophisticated, parents became more concerned about the depiction of violence in many games.

3. Walkman-Style Cassette Players

Headphone cassette players were popular with tweens and teenagers in the early 1980s. These devices allowed users to listen privately, which raised concerns among parents. One of the most universal worries was the risk of hearing damage from prolonged exposure to loud volumes. Social isolation was another issue, similar to today's use of smartphones. However, perhaps the most significant impact was the difficulty for parents to monitor what their children were listening to, leading to worries about objectionable lyrics and entire musical genres, such as heavy metal and rap.

4. Birth Control Pills

Worldwide, the introduction of birth control pills was linked to the women's liberation movement of the 1960s. Governments sometimes subsidized these pills or made them available for free to control birth rates, promote women's participation in the workforce, and reduce infant mortality. This was a time when the feminist movement was gaining momentum, and birth control pills became a symbol of women's freedom and autonomy.

5. Broadcast Television

When television first became widespread, it was generally well-received due to its novelty. However, a generational divide soon emerged. Children coming of age with easy access to television expected visual entertainment at home, while parents were concerned about their children's excessive television consumption and lack of educational content in children's programs. This was particularly true during a period when social norms were rapidly changing.

6. Rural Electrification

Before the 1930s, farm families in remote areas had to build their own local power generation facilities to access electricity. However, the introduction of AC distribution, higher voltages, and greater generating capacity in the late 1930s brought electricity to rural America through power companies. This allowed farms to adopt many new appliances and machines, reducing the need for as much manpower. The impact of electricity on rural life was profound and transformative.

7. Broadcast Radio

Broadcast radio rapidly evolved from a novelty to the dominant medium for news, entertainment, and political influence. Leaders like Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Adolf Hitler quickly recognized the power of the radio to spread ideas and influence public opinion. The radio's role in accelerating the spread of popular culture and political ideologies was significant during this period.

8. Automobiles

Youth culture embraced automobiles in the early 20th century, symbolizing rebellion and independence. The "Flapper" culture of the 1920s, characterized by short skirts, dancing the Charleston, smoking cigarettes, and driving, was a crucial symbol of this youth movement. Though cigarettes were once seen as unmanly, they became a symbol of modernity and freedom during World War I and the following decades.

Conclusion

While the internet has undoubtedly created a significant generational divide, it is not the first technology to do so. Each of the technologies mentioned above—cable TV, video games, Walkman-style cassette players, birth control pills, broadcast television, rural electrification, broadcast radio, and automobiles—has played a key role in shaping societal norms and creating divides between generations. Understanding these divides helps us appreciate the current impact of the internet on modern society and the ongoing evolution of cultural and technological trends.