The generational divide between the baby boomer generation and any generation younger than the millienials is a phenomenon that has existed for a few years. It could be summed up in two words: "Ok boomer." Admittedly, it's already a bit out of fashion, but in 2020, it was the standard dismissal that teenagers – and young adults – were directing at their elders.
Mainly, it was used when they disagreed on quite divisive issues, such as climate, political correctness or sexism. Basically, it's a way of saying to those over 50: "I don't listen to you anymore. Your opinion does not interest me, you are a child of the baby boom, born during that golden era. You're stuck in the past, and everything that's wrong today is your fault anyway."
Generational conflicts have always existed. Many respectable 60-year-olds may have been punk anarchists in the 1970s and 80s, and probably rebelled against their elders. These generational conflicts are normal. It's normal to rebel against seniors when you're young, it's a way to assert yourself.
That said, psychologists specialising in 15 to 25-year-olds have noticed that the divide between generations seems to be widening. The telling example is Greta Thunberg, who does not hesitate to challenge her elders and press sore points, accusing the older generations of the crimes that are now wreaking havoc on the planet in the form of their consequences.
While it could be a generalisation, there is some truth in the assumption that generations seem to be living more and more in separate, siloed worlds, with concerns that are no longer shared.
There are several factors responsible for this, but perhaps the most important is social media. It seriously harms intergenerational communication. With social networks, you are locked in group communication, in a bubble of people your age. This will strengthen your convictions and the stereotypes you have about other generations.
On the one hand, it is because each generation has its own network (the favourite network of the 50+ remains Facebook, while the younger ones are on Snapchat or Tik Tok). Then you have the famous algorithms, which will redirect you to people who share the same opinions as you.
It will reinforce the idea that you are right and the other generations are on the wrong track. By caricaturing a lot, with social networks, young people see their elders as people concerned about preserving their privileges, and who buffer themselves from the climate.
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And on the other hand, those in the 50+ bracket sometimes see young people as idealists and dreamers without substance. It all starts with a misunderstanding.
Psychologists advocate intergenerational activities as one solution because these are crucial in the struggle to confront reality and fight stereotypes about different generations. In the same age group, no two people have the same values, the same opinions about everything or the same desires. But to realise this, you have to rub shoulders with them and dare to discuss "touchy" topics.
In short, we must take a step toward each other. In reality, not on social networks. Few people have ever changed their minds based on comments under a Facebook post. Psychologists say it is necessary to keep in mind and make it clear that a difference in point of view is almost never due to a difference in age and that this parameter must be ignored in any discussion. But it goes both ways, so there is no question of having an argument like "in my time." That, we forget.
The experts also suggest we try to put ourselves in the other person's shoes. Later, if you are still faced with an "Ok boomer" dismissal, or something similar, know that this is a condescending way of saying that we refuse to continue talking with you. There is no point in trying to defend yourself and justify yourself since you have received an impasse.
In these situations, psychologists advise us to point out that ending the discussion in this way does not advance the discussion. And that it is better to try to be constructive. So, we can ask the question "And now, rather than remaining divided, what do we do?"
Finally, the experts say older people can remind the younger generation that they are the "old of tomorrow" and that they have every interest in connecting with other generations, because they too, will want to pass on their opinions in the future.
