From The Past To The Future

Being millennials, we revolve around the world of iPhones, Macbooks, and other forms of advanced technology. However, we’re still fascinated by the idea of typewriters, vinyl players, fax machines, flip phones and much more.

“After a lengthy attempt to define ‘millennials’, Part I considered issues such as limited living space, a spend it now attitude, emphasis on adventure and experiences, renting not buying, lack of a separate dining room, the man cave phenomenon, anti-materialism, and a different approach to aesthetic taste,” said Harry L. Rinker, in a column about the effects millenials will have on the antique and collectibles trade.

Technology grows exponentially, we discover new things everyday. From being able to carry a device around to make calls and texts, to calling out “Alexa play my favorite song”, we establish new forms of communication and entertainment.

We ask ourselves, why are millennials interested in the technology from the past? Millenials are about discovery and adventure. About being given the chance to experience and use items that they know their parents and grandparents used.

According to CNBC, “In 2014, more than 13 million vinyl long-playing albums, or LPs for short, were sold in America. And the first half of 2015 is showing similar sales strength with more than 9 million LPs sold, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.”

This was just the start of the millennial revolution to take over the past. Movies and TV shows with settings that take place before the 2000’s also influence this idea. For example, 13 Reasons Why influenced the use of cassette tapes

When it comes to antiques and technology from the past, its aesthetic feel is what makes it so interesting. Social media has made a big impact for this movement, by allowing millennials to share their antique discoveries through their pictures. The posting is not so much about sharing their discovery, but being ‘aesthetic’ is known as being cool and attracts more views.

Looking back, Millennials form a generation that is stuck in between the past and the future. They use objects such as disc players and vinyl players, to iPhones and battery powered cars. As technology develops, we do too. However, it’s always good to look back at where it all comes from.