Kids today are used to computers. These computers fit into their pockets and run on their cell phones. Many of them have laptops and some even have tablets. Watching them react to a computer that was popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s is actually quite comical. These children ranging in age from 6 to 16 get to uncover an old apple. Of course, their first reaction is to the sheer size of the computer. It takes each child a few minutes to realize that they need to turn on the monitor and the computer separately. Once the computer is on, there are cries of “where are the games” and “Why aren’t there any apps running?” – This is a great example of Consumer Products losing their market share with a new generation growing up through a fizzling out of Technology Public Relations on their products.
These children quickly become frustrated in attempting even basic math problems that require a written command to be solved. Once they figure out how to get the problem solved, many of them feel a sense of accomplishment. Next, they are shown a floppy disc that all of them need help to get into the drive. Once the disc is in, the kids are astonished that they have to close the disc drive by hand. After restarting the computer, the kids get the chance to play one of the first computer games; however, they are not impressed by the graphics. Only one kid said they would like to have one.
Kids today get their music from Mp3 players that can carry 1,000s of songs or a phone with a music library installed. Most of their players have speakers and do not necessarily headphones. A group of children ranging in age from 6 year old to 12 years old are introduced to a 1980s cassette Walkman. Out of the group of children only one child realizes that it is a cassette player for music.
Each child struggles as they attempt to put the cassette inside the player and get it to play. It takes them a few minutes to realize that they must have headphones to hear the music. The large headphones from the 1980s bring squeals of astonishment and one child states that his grandpa has a pair like these. When asked how to get to song six, all of the kids are amazed that there is not a next button and that they must fast forward the tape and gauge where the song might be located on the tape. All agree that this is a poor value for money since a cassette tape can only hold around 30 songs at a time.
The post Kids These Days: Reactions to Rotary Phones, Older Computers and Walkmens appeared first on 5W PR News and Updates, NY Public Relations Agency Blog.
