Why Older Adults Call This ‘Hot Garbage’: The Modern Tech They Refuse to Embrace—and Why I Can’t Live Without Them!

While I usually enjoy embracing new tech—like delivery apps—sometimes it all feels a bit too complex. Recently, a user on Reddit’s r/AskOldPeople asked older adults to disclose the technology they refuse to use. Here’s a look at some of their choices.

1.“Smart home devices like Alexa and Siri.”

2.“Twitter.” —CartographerKey7322

“Twitter used to be great, but now I prefer Threads for fun and Bluesky for news.”

3.“I can’t stand internet-connected appliances.” —geronika

“I don’t want to talk to my fridge, and I don’t need to spend extra on that feature.”

4.“Smart watches.” —jefx2007

5.“Keyless door locks just don’t sit right with me.” —AnUnexpectedUnicorn

“If someone wants in, they’ll find a way. I’d prefer a traditional lock.”

6.“Fridge apps are just pointless.” —RunsWithPremise

“I want my fridge to cool, not report on how often I open the door.”

7.“I’ve never cared to learn about ChatGPT.” —Opus-the-Penguin

8.“Pod coffee makers annoy me.” —Optimal-Ad-7074

“It’s an overpriced way to make bad coffee.”

9.“Delivery services like DoorDash are too pricey.”

—PixelTreason

10.“No banking apps on my phone, thank you.” —SagebrushID

11.“I avoid self-order kiosks.” —seeingeyefrog

12.“TikTok? No thanks!” —OldGuyInFlorida

“I prefer my privacy over social media fame.”

13.“QR menus?”

14.“I don’t have a dishwasher.” —TR3BPilot

“I can wash a few dishes in no time, so why bother?”

15.“I don’t use self-checkout.” —seeingeyefrog

16.“I stick to my laptop for most of my online work.” —p38-lightning

17.“E-readers? I prefer real books.”

—Opus-the-Penguin

18.“I don’t even turn on my TV.” —SemiOldCRPGs

19.“I dislike using GPS. People should know how to navigate.”

Note: Some responses have been edited for clarity.