Chapter 1: The Generation X Experience

Growing up in Generation X during the 1980s was a wild and captivating experience. Life before social media was rich with sensory experiences—things we could see, touch, smell, and taste. Face-to-face conversations were the norm, and we gathered in person rather than connecting online. The thrill of receiving a handwritten note in class or the joy of finding a letter in the mailbox from a pen pal was unmatched. We cherished the excitement of magazines filled with colorful images, devoid of pop-up ads.

We relied on pencil and paper for our thoughts and memories, capturing moments with Polaroid cameras. When faced with challenges, we sought therapy rather than airing our grievances on social media. Our days were filled with time to read, create, and truly appreciate our friendships. The depth of connection we felt from a few close friends was far more meaningful than the superficial interactions that often accompany social media followers.

The library was our go-to hangout spot—our secret sanctuary. I poured my tumultuous feelings into journals, safely tucked away in a box. Life was an enigma; our activities were private, free from scrutiny. We enjoyed simple pleasures like showering and eating without the pressure of comparison.

We awoke without the dread of intrusive push notifications about global crises, free from the bombardment of countless opinions. Curiosity thrived as we explored the world using good old-fashioned encyclopedias, a far cry from today’s instant access to information via platforms like Quora.

Imagination flourished in those days. When was the last time you set aside your device to construct a blanket fort? Play, a crucial aspect of growth, seems to take a backseat as we often unwind by mindlessly scrolling through our feeds.

I also believe we had a more profound understanding of the world back then. Information wasn’t dictated by algorithms; our interests were diverse, allowing for a richer knowledge base. Journalism during Generation X was authentic; reporters ventured out to uncover stories, bringing real news to our doorsteps. While that medium still exists, it’s often overshadowed by the convenience of online news apps, raising questions about their reliability.

The feelings of jealousy and envy were minimal. Social media didn’t exist to remind us of others’ seemingly perfect lives. If someone traveled to the Bahamas or achieved a fitness goal, I was blissfully unaware, allowing me to feel content with my own life.

We cherished what we had. There was no urge to emulate the staged lives displayed on Instagram. For us, spending quality time was far more valuable than material possessions.

Romantic relationships were marked by meaningful courtship—dinners and dancing on Saturdays. The anticipation built with every ring of the rotary phone. Genuine face-to-face interactions took time to cultivate, as there were no social media platforms to stalk our potential partners.

Back then, our identities were genuine. We were real people engaging in captivating experiences, a realization I sometimes regret not appreciating fully. With the absence of the internet and personal computers, we had no idea of the digital world that awaited us.

Today, we inhabit a vastly different landscape where connection is constant. While the access to information is exciting, I often find myself longing for the simplicity of those earlier days. The ability to track friends’ locations on apps like Snapchat feels intrusive, reminding me of a time when privacy was a cherished aspect of life.

Chapter 2: Reflections on the Past

Life was indeed fascinating before social media, and while we’ve embraced the digital age, I can’t help but reminisce about the richness of human interaction and the beauty of genuine connections.

The first video titled "Life Before Social Media...Was it Better?" explores the contrast between past experiences and our current digital landscape.

The second video, "Life Before The Internet Changed Us!" delves into how our lives transformed with the advent of the internet and social media.