5 habits Gen X refuse to let go of that younger generations think are ridiculous

Every generation has its quirks, right?

What one group sees as perfectly normal, another sees as hopelessly outdated.

I’ve seen this play out in my own career, especially working alongside older colleagues in the my field. Many of them—squarely in the Gen X camp—held on tightly to habits that younger coworkers rolled their eyes at.

It’s not about right or wrong, of course. These habits made sense for the world Gen X grew up in. But when you put them side by side with today’s fast-paced, digital-first way of living, they can look downright ridiculous.

Here are five habits I’ve noticed Gen X refuse to let go of, even while younger generations scratch their heads.

1. Still using cash and even checks instead of digital payments

I once worked with a senior colleague who insisted on paying for everything in cash. I think she even wrote checks for her utility bills. Younger coworkers were baffled!

And it’s not just anecdotal. According to the Federal Reserve of Atlanta, Gen Xers are far less likely than younger generations to use mobile payments. Meanwhile, Gen Z and Millennials are Venmo-ing and Zelle-ing at lightning speed.

I suppose, for many Gen Xers, physical money offers a sense of control and security. They grew up in an era where you balanced a checkbook to know what you had. Handing over cash or writing a check felt intentional.

To younger generations, though, it looks painfully slow—and more than a little impractical.

2. Watching TV news instead of getting updates from social media

Another big one: TV news.

I remember finishing a late session years ago and overhearing colleagues talking about “catching the evening news.” Younger staff members couldn’t believe it. Why wait until 6 or 10 p.m. when you could scroll Twitter or TikTok and see breaking news instantly?

Pew Research backs this up. Sixty percent of adults over 65 still get their news from television, compared to only 8% of people aged 18–29. Gen X falls in the middle, but still heavily favors traditional broadcasts.

Younger generations see TV news as outdated and too slow. But for Gen X, there’s comfort in the ritual—the familiar anchors, the structured delivery, the sense that the information has been vetted.

3. Buying physical books and writing things down by hand

Despite e-readers, tablets, and note-taking apps, many Gen Xers still swear by print books and notebooks.

And you know what? They might just be right to!

Studies reveal that reading print books leads to better comprehension and retention than digital reading. Similarly, handwriting has been shown to improve memory more than typing.

So while younger generations might find it ridiculous to lug around physical books or scribble notes instead of using Google Docs, Gen Xers know that the tactile process helps them absorb and remember information.

4. Collecting vinyl records and other physical media

This one still makes me smile.

A former colleague proudly showed me his vinyl record collection during a holiday party. Meanwhile, the younger staff joked, “You know Spotify exists, right?”

But here’s the thing: vinyl sales have actually been climbing in recent years. While some younger people might see it as absurd to pay $30 for a record when streaming gives you access to millions of songs for a fraction of the cost, Gen Xers value the ritual, the sound quality, and the artwork.

And it’s not just music. Many still prefer DVDs, Blu-rays, or even CDs. Younger generations assume everything will always be available on Netflix or Spotify, but Gen X doesn’t quite trust that. Owning physical media feels more reliable.

5. Limiting phone use and maintaining family dinner time

This is one habit I actually really admire.

Research shows families who share meals together experience lasting benefits. Children who regularly eat with their families are less likely to face depression, substance abuse, and eating disorders, and more likely to enjoy long-term physical and mental health benefits.

So while younger generations may think it’s controlling to ban phones at dinner, Gen X is holding onto something valuable: uninterrupted connection.

And in today’s world of constant digital distraction, that’s no small thing.

Final thoughts

Habits don’t exist in a vacuum—they’re shaped by the times we grow up in.

For Gen X, these practices made sense in the context of their upbringing. Cash felt secure. The nightly news felt reliable. Physical books, records, and dinners around the table weren’t just habits—they were the fabric of daily life.

To younger generations, they may seem outdated, even ridiculous. But look closer, and you’ll see there’s wisdom in some of them. In fact, a few might be worth holding onto as a reminder that not everything has to be instant, digital, or disposable.