Known as hard workers, ambitious, and influential in promoting social and political change, baby boomers have also gained a reputation among their younger peers for being a do-it-all, stuck in their ways , and easily frustrated, with a great deal of reaction to minor issues.
“Boomer Panic” was a phrase coined in 2023 by TikTok user @myexistentialread, in a now-deleted video (though it is still available via spoofs ).
In the original video, the TikToker recounted an interaction with an older customer who was annoyed about trying to buy an item that didn’t have a price tag, and the user questioned why boomers (people between the ages of 60 and 78) often appear to get loudly frustrated over minor inconveniences – such as figuring out how to use some form of technology, waiting in a long line or, in this case, a customer service snafu that’s fairly easy to resolve.
“Can someone please explain to me this phenomenon that I’m going to call ‘Boomer Panic,’ which is when you’re interacting with anyone who’s a boomer, and immediately, when something goes a little bit down or like south, they immediately resort to this screaming and fussing and panic?” the user asked.
In subsequent threads and videos , other users (especially people who work in customer service roles) shared similar anecdotes and theories about why this behavior seems so prevalent.
Like many millennials, I can definitely relate to these beliefs. I have two boomer parents who tend to overreact to almost everything.
But is the so-called boom panic a real phenomenon? We spoke to some experts to better understand what’s really going on.
Is the “boomer” panic really a thing?
“Boomer Panic” is not a clinical term, but some data suggests that boomers are feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with technology or pessimistic about their standard of living, Ashwini Nadkarni, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, told Huffpost.
For example, a Consumer Affairs article reported that 91% of Gen Z and Gen Xers felt overwhelmed by technology. The survey of 2,000 people found that the reasons for feeling burned out in STEM ranged from declining health to loss of independence.
These statistics suggest that, yes, boomers can be irritable about a lot of things. But it might not be any more or less than younger generations, said Patti M. Simone, a professor of psychology at Santa Clara University.
“While some older individuals may be frustrated by new technology, changes in routine, or unexpected inconveniences, this is not unique to older people, nor is it a feature of aging,” Simone told Huffpost.
“While ‘boom panic’ exists as a meme or stereotype, it should not be confused with an accurate description of how most older adults actually respond to everyday challenges.”
– Patti M. Simone, professor of psychology at Santa Clara University
It’s not necessarily a “panic” – it’s a dysregulation
According to Nadkarni, many factors could be contributing to what others perceive as boomerangs, including the need to adapt to new technologies that are part of the “ sandwich generation ” and managing retirement in challenging financial times.
Anyone can feel frustrated about Facebook changing its layout again or having to use a QR code to open the menu (I know I’ve been there).
Technology is also evolving much faster than it did when the boomers were younger. Not to mention, the world is also much different—thanks to the rise of social media, high-octane politics, a 24-hour news cycle, and a questionable economy. It’s not like the seemingly “big” reactions are completely unfounded.
As one self-identified boomer commented on “Boomer Panic” on TikTok: “I’m 64, I can explain. It’s the frustration of living in a world where you were once an absolute expert, but now you can’t understand.”
Nadkarni also points out that the pressure of caring for children (or grandchildren ), aging parents, and managing retirement can contribute to these flare-ups.
Now combine these factors with an upbringing that did not emphasize developing emotion processing or regulation skills, and it could explain why these cases occur.
“Younger generations have been urged to prioritize emotional well-being and mental health, encouraging more open communication, emotional validation, and reduced suppression,” Nakardi said.
In the case of Boomers, “there was an emphasis on stricter parenting and a greater stigma against mental health issues,” which may have led them to bottle up their emotions and lose their tolerance for frustration over time, Nakardi added.
Poking holes in the stereotype
However, despite the boomers receiving criticism for their inability to process their emotions in real time, Simone noted that research indicates that older adults are often better able to reframe events by focusing on the positive and managing stress.
“So while ‘Boomer Panic’ exists as a meme or stereotype, it should not be confused with an accurate description of how most older adults respond to everyday challenges,” she added.
And ultimately, Nadkarni said, in situations where someone is clearly upset or stressed, approaching them with empathy is key to helping them calm down.
“When someone overreacts,” Nadkarni added, “the individual’s nervous system reacts as if the stimulus is a real threat, even if it isn’t.”
