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“My black leggings will have to be pulled from my cold dead hands,” said one redditor, when they were asked what ‘old person’ hill they were willing to die on. This unique discussion was started by a netizen going by the moniker ‘Rooster’ on Reddit, and resulted in quite an extensive list of answers shared by members of the ‘Millennials’ community.
Netizens covered all sorts of things, from a certain length of socks they prefer, to use of social media and technology, and more, showing that some things are staples for certain generations and that they’re not going anywhere. If you want to see the rest of their answers, scroll down to find more of redditors’ ‘hills to die on’ on the list below, and—if you’re a millennial yourself—feel free to upvote the ones you relate to the most.
Below you will also find Bored Panda’s interviews with the person who started the discussion, ‘Rooster’, who was kind enough to share their views on millennials’ hills to die on, as well as with Dr. Deborah Carr, the director of the Center of Innovation in Social Science and A&S Distinguished Professor of sociology, who agreed to delve deeper into the subtleties of generational differences.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
No, you cannot listen to music / videos / calls / whatever in public without headphones.
⨺⃝ ~Just-A-Black-Cat-Lover~ ⨺⃝ 4 months ago
SO TRUE. Like, if I wanted to hear it, I would have turned it on for myself!
In a recent interview with Bored Panda, ‘Rooster’ shared that it was communicating with younger friends and family that made them ask the question about the so-called ‘old person’ hills millennials are willing to die on.
“I originally posted that question because I’ve become so surprised at how some of my friends and family—mostly the younger ones—tend to use the ‘reactions’ to text messages,” they said, emphasizing that it’s the reactions that pop up after pressing on a message for a little while and not emojis that they’re talking about. “There seemed to be a lot of confusion—and even some anger—about that,” they said.
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#2
Having a mental health disorder isn't an excuse for s****y behavior.
Roni Stone 4 months ago
Amen. As someone with a mental health disorder, I'm also sometimes just plain s****y. We all can be, and we need to own up to it and apologize/make amends for it, rather than going all "I couldn't help it!" Lord.
#3
I hate downloading an app for every frickin’ thing. I ain’t clogging up my phone just for 1 baseball game ticket. Email to me a PDF of my ticket yo.
“It seems like they [young friends and family] feel the need to attach a reaction to every message that gets sent, despite the fact that they’re also replying with… you know… words,” the OP continued. “It made me wonder if they perceive the fact that I don’t do this as rude or as bad manners. But I’m not going to do it because it seems sort of silly and excessive to me.
“I also have enough common sense to realize that this is probably a generation thing, though, which made me wonder if other millennials felt similarly about the reactions or if maybe I’m just getting old.”
#4
Tips should be for sit down meals in restaurants only. I should not be asked to tip at random places like a clothing store or when I get my oil changed.
Melissa Harris 4 months ago
I might tip when I get my oil changed if the service was very fast or good, or they went above to accommodate me somehow (e.g. squeezing me in last minute). But, yeah, take away, counter service, or retail does not warrant tips.
#5
Please give me a real menu. I understood during COVID but I really hate having to try to scroll through a whole menu on my tiny a*s phone. ESPECIALLY if it’s just a PDF of their old menu that has tiny font and hasn’t been adapted for mobile view at all. If you’re going to have a QR code for a menu at least make sure it’s mobile friendly. And NO I will not download your app.
Jordan Croff 4 months ago
What gets me are those electronic menus in fast food restaurants that change what's on the screen every couple of seconds before you get to finish seeing what's on the menu.
The redditor told Bored Panda that they really enjoyed reading through people’s answers; though, some more than others. “A lot of ‘super clever and hilarious’ people decided to reply with just a thumbs up emoji—good one! Very original—in addition to a couple of ‘okay boomer’-style replies; those stung a little, if I’m being honest.”
Be that as it may, they added that they agreed with quite a few of the answers they read. “It seems there was a lot of common consensus among the millennials on a number of topics,” Rooster said. “Some highlights include:
- Headlights these days are too dang bright!
- People shouldn’t listen to their dang music/videos or take phone calls on dang speakerphone in public!
- Everything requires a dang subscription these days!
- People need to get off their dang phones and touch grass! And stay off your phones while driving! (Lots of ‘being in the car’ gripes, I have to say.)
- And OH MY GOSH, people hate the QR code menus and want their paper menus back! I’d venture a guess that 30-40% of people who posted complained about QR code menus. Certainly the most common comment.
“As for what surprised me the most, honestly it was the lack of toxicity,” the OP continued to share. “The internet is often thought of as a cesspool of negativity, but the millennials mostly had gripes about pretty reasonable things and—mostly—didn’t say anything bigoted or homophobic or transphobic; although sadly there were one or two [comments].”
#6
My hill is if I say I’m going to play video games or just relax all day, that means that’s my plan. I will not work an extra shift for you, I am not available for plans, I have plans. Just because you think they are stupid doesn’t mean I’m changing them.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 4 months ago
There's no difference between growing flowers in Stardew Valley and growing them IRL in this sense. We all need our down time.
#7
Reality Television did serious damage to the minds of the people in America.
#8
Manners. Manners go a long way. Having and using manners make you feel good. It is about respecting other humans beings and showing them that you do. It feels good to be polite, respectful, and generous. Manners are not disingenuous. They help others feel welcome, comfortable, appreciated, and at ease. Always use “please,” “thank you,” hold doors open for people. Acknowledge others, be considerate of other people. Wish others well. Don’t be afraid to smile first. Think of how your actions impact others. Think of the next person. Be kind. Help others feel appreciated for sharing this existence with you.
Discussing the hills they themself were willing to die on, the OP said that, aside from the overuse of reactions to text messages, they’d have to agree with the people suggesting that driving in a car “sucks”.
“I’ve lived in New York City for close to twenty years but grew up in south Florida, so I’ve been firmly on both sides of the ‘(not) having to drive’ fence. Not having to drive is so much better, and it shows in the replies to my post. It’s a miserable experience overall—traffic, bad drivers, expenses—and it’s only gotten worse because of technology.”
#9
If I say something to you, I'd like an acknowledgement that you heard me.
#10
Dont show up uninvited, i need to mentally prepare for the visit no matter who it is. Im 37.
#11
Not everything needs to be recorded/photographed and posted online. Whether it’s for good, taking excessive vacation pictures or for bad, like recording arguments between strangers.
“Every new car basically has a TV in it now, and the TV controls the air conditioning for some reason, and everybody is so addicted to their phones that they just can’t leave them alone while on the road. It makes for an awful and stress-inducing—not to mention life-threatening—situation,” the OP pointed out.
“People really need to come to grips with the fact that driving a car is by far statistically the most dangerous thing they do on a regular basis. As I said in a reply to one of the comments, people won’t go in the ocean because they’re afraid of sharks but then they’ll drive home from the beach while watching The Dark Knight on their phones.
“I wish people would treat driving with a lot more caution and respect for how dangerous it can be, and I wish we’d make it possible for more people in the US to have access to public transit like we do here in NYC. (But don’t even get me started on my public transit gripes!”
#12
If I ever see you hogging public space, making some cringe TikTok, I am intentionally walking between you and your camera to ruin your shot and you deserve it.
#13
I am not instantly available at any waking moment just because it is technically possible for me to see your message immediately on my electronic device. If we didn't have prior plans to be in contact, please allow 24-48 hours for response to all non-emergency communications.
#14
New car headlights are too damn bright.
Discussing why it is sometimes difficult for people to accept or get used to certain things other—especially, younger—generations do, the director of the Center of Innovation in Social Science and A&S Distinguished Professor of sociology Dr. Deborah Carr pointed out that throughout history, every generation has judged the generation that follows them.
“It is often hard to put ourselves in others’ shoes and understand each other’s preferences for music, lifestyle, spending habits, and more. Also, our worlds are very age-segregated, so it is difficult to really get to know people of other age groups outside of our own family members. It’s very easy to judge those people we don’t know well,” she told Bored Panda in a recent interview.
#16
People who play music at the beach suck. The rest of us shouldn’t have to listen to your noise pollution. I’m there for the sights, smells and sounds of nature. I want to hear the wind, waves, birds and s**t. Just the sounds of people playing and having fun is great too. We don’t need to blast music that covers all of that like a thick cloud. Get some headphones.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 4 months ago (edited)
I always sarcastically yell "THANKS FOR SHARING!!!" at people who are in their cars with their windows all down, playing music at ear-shattering volume. They can't hear me, because my windows are up and they're probably deafened by their electric boogaloo, but it makes me feel better (and somehow gloriously curmudgeonly) to yell it anyway XD
#17
If I have to pick just one, this is the one I pick. Toddlers/babies do NOT need to be attached to a phone all day every day. Especially if you have to fight and beg to get your OWN phone back from them. Establish rules with your kids and stop trying to be their friend cuz you "feel bad for them" you're the parent! its up to you to parent, not a screen. (disclaimer I don't have any kids of my own but I see way too many parents just handing their babies a phone so they don't have to deal with em).
François Bouzigues 4 months ago
Babies should never be handed a phone. Absolutely never. I have three kids, it is absolutely doable.
For the OP, it was the reactions on messages and certain aspects of using technology that they didn’t see eye to eye with the younger generation about. But that didn’t mean that they were dreading using technology altogether; and, according to Prof. Carr, neither do generations older than millennials.
“It’s a stereotype that old people fear technology,” she noted. “Many baby boomers and Gen Xers were at the forefront of the tech revolution. Past generations pioneered internet dating, email, and more. Much older adults might have been initially uncomfortable with technology, but even people in their 70s and 80s learned to Zoom with their families during the pandemic.
“Many older people—and rightfully so—fear that virtual communication takes away the human touch – virtual friends can’t provide the same kind of nurturing and support as those who pay in-person visits. Older people also have fewer reasons to hop onto the newest technology. For people who are retired, they can make do perfectly fine using just the basics.”
#18
If you say you're going to be somewhere, please show up. I understand things happen, but it seems like ghosting is just casual and accepted.
#19
Paying 1000 dollars for a phone is unnecessary.
Jordan Croff 4 months ago
There are so many things that are way overpriced now. It could be like a small block of wood with a slot in it to set your ipad in and they will charge $100 for it.
#20
Kids need to stop “diagnosing” themselves with all sorts of mental health conditions. Half the kids I meet casually talk about their adhd and/or autism. I understand seeking a medical diagnosis is inaccessible for a small number of people (due to finances, parental denial, etc) but it is not 50% of teenagers. There is a reason why we have diagnostic criteria. Being forgetful happens to us all sometimes. So does getting distracted in the middle of doing a task. That does not mean we all have adhd. So many kids I meet are self-diagnosing based on a 30-second TikTok they saw. Many 20-somethings I know are doing it as well.
On a related note, the overuse and misuse of “therapy language” also needs to stop. Someone who pushes back on you when you say something inaccurate is not an “abuser”. You can’t set a “boundary” that you get breaks whenever you want at work to play on your phone. Like, come on.
⨺⃝ ~Just-A-Black-Cat-Lover~ ⨺⃝ 4 months ago
I hate this. My brother actually is autistic (diagnosed when he was 4 or 5) and i see people all the time either making fun of it or pretending they are. It gets on my nerves.
But when discussing people’s relationships with technology and other aspects of modern-day life, it’s important to keep in mind that no matter the generation, people are all different, and millennials are no exception.
“There is no single type of millennials,” Prof. Carr emphasized. “This generation is very diverse with respect to age, gender identity and sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, education, national origin, economic resources, and more. They did share some pivotal experiences that have shaped them, however. They were very young when the 9/11 attacks occurred, and their childhood and adolescent years were punctuated by high-visibility school shootings. Many were young adults launching their careers and marriages when the pandemic struck. So, they have faced major challenges throughout their lives, with technology being a double-edged sword. Some use technology to cope and connect, whereas for others it’s a source of pressure, FOMO, bullying and more.”
#21
This work text should be a work email. Do not text me on my personal number about work related things. Especially during non work hours.
Nota Robot 4 months ago (edited)
I know someone who refuses to install WhatsApp, Telegram etc for this exact reason. It can be a little infuriating to get hold of him sometimes, because you have to text or email everything important to him separately. But somewhere I can't help feeling he has a point.
#22
We do not need to follow every single trend we see on the internet.
Just because it's a trend does not mean you must do it.
No, you DON'T need the new expensive super big gulp metal cup that comes in an array of colors.
No, you DON'T need to buy a bunch of clear plastic/glass containers to restock your fridge/pantry when food ALREADY comes in containers.
No, you DON'T need make your home look like it came from a magazine or sad beige channel.
No, you DON'T need a 100 step skincare routine.
No, you DON'T need to get filler just because your face is maturing out of teen hood.
Trends come and go, and thanks to our ever shortening attention spans, they go almost as soon as they come.
Pretty soon, people will regret spending all their time and money on those trends and then move on to the next big trend that will leave them equally, if not more, unfulfilled.
Just be happy with what you have.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 4 months ago
My skincare routine is dish soap and rubbing alcohol. Not kidding.
#23
When you are sharing the sidewalk with other human beings, look where you're going instead of your phone screen. Nobody has to move out of your way because you're too busy to raise your head.
While no two people are exactly the same, they might share certain views or opinions, shaped by significant events of their time. “The historical events—whether wars, pandemics, or economic recessions—that strike during their formative years can create tremendous obstacles (or offer tremendous opportunities) as young adults pursue goals like school, jobs, home ownership and more,” Prof. Deborah Carr pointed out.
“Some generations have greater historical luck than others. It’s important to recognize that our successes are not due solely to personal strengths or ‘grit’ and to acknowledge the historical benefits (or disadvantages) that different generations face. Most people are doing their best to carve out meaningful lives, sometimes against the odds. Judging generations as weak, narrow-minded, selfish, or any of the negative labels bandied about is just counterproductive and based on stereotype rather than fact.”
#24
Writing notes by hand on paper helps me remember better than typing notes.
Paper books are better than kindles for the same reason- I remember what I’m reading and where things are on the page.
QR codes suck.
I miss magazines and the way they smelled. Getting a big fat Cosmo or rolling stone in the mail and knowing I had reading material for at least a week and then could cut up the pages for Look Books or collages.
#25
Why does everything have to be abbreviated? Our smartphones dang near type for us yet I still get messages that I have to use my Captain Planet decoder ring to decipher!
#26
Multiple times per week I have to beep at someone in front of me to go because the light has turned green. I even given them a 3-5 second grace period before I do it. Get off your f*****g phone!!!
#27
Ignoring your dog for hours while they bark at obscene hours of the night and throughout the day. Take care of your damn PET. It’s not an ornamental decoration for your family photos. Plus I need sleep to deal with my crabby-the-world-is-ending teen’s drama and hormonal filled life. While we’re talking about animals, spay and neuter your pets. I’m tired of seeing the euthanasia list daily for my local shelter because people are careless or want to make a quick buck before dumping them.
clairebear 4 months ago
Dog owner here, I am always conscious of how much woofing is going on. He is not allowed to stay in the garden unless he is quiet. He forgets and gets excited and has to come in. I live in detached house so you can't hear him if he's indoors, he is still told to shut up or given reassurance depending on why he is barking.
#28
Sometimes being mean is necessary. I’m tired of this notion that we should NEVER be mean to people. Obviously not unnecessary cruelty, but being mean to get a point across to someone pressing boundaries shouldn’t be seen as rude.
#29
The environment. I’m not that old but def getting there. Can’t fing believe how stupid people are about destroying our planet. It’s infuriating, selfish, and pathetic.
Bilja M 4 months ago
Tell me about it. My country has been sold by our government for MINING and we all know those lovely green fields, mountains, waterfalls and clean brooks and what's the saddest, animals, will ALL die because of horrible greed of government and foreign companies that use SULPHURIC ACID to mine because that's cheapest. We will lose EVERYTHING! And for what? For nothing! I hate them all so much!
#30
I get so angry when I see people using their phone in their hand while driving and not paying attention to the road. Get a phone mount.
#31
I wish things had fewer unnecessary buttons. A hundred functions, but I'd rather it do two functions well and last twice as long. More isn't always better.
Also, things should be built to be repaired.
LaserBrain 4 months ago
I counted the total number of buttons in my friend's three remote controls that he uses for his TV. Something over a hundred. I probably use about 6 of them.
#32
I am so f*****g tired of advertisements. Jesus tiddy f*****g christ. They don't work on me. I just disregard them. Stop f*****g bombarding me. If I was going to use your product or previously did and you send me ads, I'll find something else.
#33
If you need my email for something, I don’t need your product. F**k you.
#34
I hate dealing with touchscreen keyboards. I don't think I'll ever be able to type on them nearly as fast as I can on a physical keyboard.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 4 months ago
Touch-typing doesn't work without the touch. Someday they'll come up with a way to make those screen keyboards feel like real keyboards, but that day is still a ways off.
#35
STOP SPEEDING IN NEIGHBORHOODS AND PUT YOUR DAMN PHONE DOWN!
#36
Ok, I have another... TV's, Blue Ray/DVD players...they should have enough buttons on front so that you can use all of the basic functions without the remote.
#37
The teenagers thinking they are funny or cool being obnoxious in the store. It’s not cute. 😑.
Robert Beveridge 4 months ago
This isn't really a current issue. Teens have historical been loud and brainless. (was one in the 80s. Fit the stereotype all too well.)
#38
Wearing a bike helmet.
I remember being a kid in the 90s when it became a law in California that anyone under the age of 18 had to wear a helmet when riding a bike and it was kind of a big deal at the time. Yet, I see kids without them all the time. Yeah, they make look silly, but so does your alpaca haircut. Which one do you think will protect you from a TBI?
#39
Current day Rap is f*****g terrible.
⨺⃝ ~Just-A-Black-Cat-Lover~ ⨺⃝ 4 months ago (edited)
Fr. It's as if its just kindergartners with a deep voice. ''ahggighf iwhwrfigow fhwfoiriinfi fng34hfiehffofph4ofoh rfufhwejkfwjef wefjew!!!!'' litterly all it is (i didnt spell that right but eh)
#40
The world was a better place when it was considered taboo to talk about political views. I remember my parents would offhandedly comment at home about who they were planning on voting for and then immediately be like "don't ever repeat that at school, and never ask someone who they're voting for, that's private and nobody else's business". Now we need to wear stupid hats and hang flags off of our pickup trucks, and look at us.
Nicole Weymann 4 months ago (edited)
Nah - politics do and should concern everybody, and discussing controversial views is the only way society and democracy can make decisions and move forward. The problem is people making one party, one issue, one campaign, or one candidate the whole focus of their lives. No wonder they feel threatened by people who see things differently - to them their one "stable" column supporting their lives wobbling must seem like a world shattering event and an attempt on their lives.
#41
Pajamas pants as everyday fashion is *the dumbest thing.*.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 4 months ago
Gen X here. I have an announcement: As long as you are decent, and your heiny-crack isn't showing, and your frontal bits (whatever they may be) aren't showing, then YOU ARE ALLOWED TO WEAR PAJAMA PANTS AS EVERYDAY FASHION. I am 42 and I have worn pajama pants out in public. I did not spontaneously combust. Old ladies didn't get the vapors and faint when they saw me. NO ONE CARES if you wear pajama pants out in public, except for shallow people who probably WANT to wear pajama pants in public, but are too afraid to.
#42
Important stuff is reserved for laptops and computers. Booking a flight, studying for an exam, etc.
Also is it really necessary for me to have 5 different apps for my child’s school?! Gotta check bing bing for attendance. Sign in to fuzzy bear for assignments. Message teachers on Atward. Like PLEASE WHY NOT JUST ONE CENTRALIZED PLACE.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 4 months ago
Because it's all licensed software and nobody can afford to centralize all of it. Or at least nobody can afford to centralize all of it because it's public education. Would you prefer some sort of centralized government issued software package that did all of it? I'd be OK with it but it's only a matter of time before some RW psycho starts screaming about brainwashing our kids to be atheist robots.
#43
There is no reason my appliance or television needs an internet connection.
Edit: Some of you have very strong opinions about streaming directly from the TV.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 4 months ago
TV I can get that. I watch a lot of streaming media. My toaster on the other hand, that's just stupid.
#45
My black leggings will have to be pulled from my cold dead hands.
What do you think ?
LaserBrain 4 months ago (edited)
I think that a lot of these are not just old people opinions.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 4 months ago
Heck, I’m just over here trying to wrap my head around the fact that Millennials are considered “older” now, apparently. It feels like just last year that they were teenagers XD (I’m Gen X…)
Load More Replies...
Doyle Alan 4 months ago
My old person hill (I'm 49) : Your car should not be so loud and rumbling that it shakes the things on my walls and keeps the entire neighbourhood up!!
UKGrandad 4 months ago
Older person hill (no, I'm not saying how old, but candles on my birthday cake are now a serious fire hazard): houses should be built like they were when I was young - solid enough that they don't tremble with fear every time a loud car goes by.
Load More Replies...
Tucker Cahooter 4 months ago
I'm an oldie and I nodded along to so many of these. Just waiting for morning now so I can yell at the clouds
LaserBrain 4 months ago (edited)
I think that a lot of these are not just old people opinions.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 4 months ago
Heck, I’m just over here trying to wrap my head around the fact that Millennials are considered “older” now, apparently. It feels like just last year that they were teenagers XD (I’m Gen X…)
Load More Replies... Doyle Alan 4 months ago
My old person hill (I'm 49) : Your car should not be so loud and rumbling that it shakes the things on my walls and keeps the entire neighbourhood up!!
UKGrandad 4 months ago
Older person hill (no, I'm not saying how old, but candles on my birthday cake are now a serious fire hazard): houses should be built like they were when I was young - solid enough that they don't tremble with fear every time a loud car goes by.
Load More Replies... Tucker Cahooter 4 months ago
I'm an oldie and I nodded along to so many of these. Just waiting for morning now so I can yell at the clouds
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