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Things millennials grew up with that Gen Zs have never used
17th July, 2026 05:44 PM
Technology has changed quickly over the last two decades, creating a big difference between millennials and Gen Z.
Many things that were once part of everyday life for millennials have disappeared as smartphones, fast internet and streaming services became common. While millennials remember using these items regularly, many Gen Z members have never needed them because they grew up with newer technology.
Here are three things many millennials used that Gen Z may have never experienced.
1. VHS tapes and VCR players
Before streaming platforms and even DVDs became popular, many millennials watched movies and cartoons on VHS tapes. These large black tapes were played using a Video Cassette Recorder (VCR), which was connected to the television.
Watching a movie was not as simple as pressing play on a phone or smart TV. People had to insert the tape into the VCR, and after finishing the movie, they had to rewind it before returning it to a rental shop or storing it away. If the tape became damaged, the picture quality could become blurry or stop working altogether.
Today, most Gen Z members watch movies through streaming services, making VHS tapes something they have only seen in photos, museums or old family collections.
2. Payphones
Long before almost everyone owned a mobile phone, public payphones were found in shopping centres, bus stations, streets and schools. Millennials often used them when they needed to make an important call while away from home.
To use a payphone, people needed coins or a phone card. If they ran out of money, they sometimes had to ask someone nearby for spare change before making a call. It was also common to memorise the phone numbers of family members because there were no contact lists stored on the phone.
Today, smartphones have made payphones almost unnecessary. As a result, many Gen Z members have never made a call from one.
3. Cassette players and Walkmans
Listening to music was a very different experience for millennials. Many carried cassette players or Walkmans to enjoy their favourite songs while travelling or relaxing at home.
Music was stored on cassette tapes, and people often created personal mixtapes by recording songs from the radio. If they wanted to skip a song, they had to fast-forward or rewind the tape until they found the right track, which could take time.
Modern music streaming apps allow Gen Z to access millions of songs instantly with just a few taps. They can create playlists, download music and switch tracks within seconds, making cassette players and Walkmans feel like history.
Technology continues to evolve, and each generation grows up with different experiences. While millennials remember VHS tapes, payphones and cassette players as normal parts of daily life, Gen Z has grown up in a world where smartphones and digital services have replaced them. These changes show just how much everyday life has transformed in a relatively short period.
