If you’re a millennial or a Gen Xer, chances are you have fond memories of the Sony Walkman. Released in 1979, the portable cassette player revolutionized the way people listen to music.
But in the age of smartphones and music streaming, how do today’s kids react to the Walkman? The answer might surprise you.
The Experiment
In a viral video, a group of kids between the ages of 6 and 13 are handed a Walkman and asked to figure out how to use it. The results are hilarious.
The Confusion
Most of the kids are completely baffled by the Walkman. They try to insert the cassette tape in all the wrong places, and struggle to figure out how to turn it on.
“Where’s the switch?” asks one girl, as she tries to turn on the device.
“I don’t have Wi-Fi,” remarks another kid, puzzled as to why he can’t access his favorite songs.
The Amazement
Despite their rocky start, some of the kids start to get the hang of the Walkman and are amazed by how different it is from today’s technology.
“It’s like the olden days,” exclaims one girl as she listens to music on the Walkman.
Another kid is impressed by the physicality of the Walkman. “It’s like you have to really work for your music,” he says.
The Conclusion
The video ends with the kids reflecting on their experience with the Walkman. While some are happy to return to their smartphones and streaming services, others have a newfound appreciation for the innovation of the 80s.
As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it’s important to remember the devices that paved the way for the gadgets we use today.
And who knows, maybe one day we’ll look back on our smartphones with the same nostalgia as we do the Sony Walkman.
Takeaway
The Walkman is a symbol of the 80s music culture that revolutionized the way people listen to music. It may be considered an antique in today’s technology-driven world, but its legacy will forever remain.
The reaction of today’s kids when they were given a Walkman to use is proof that technology has come a long way. Yet, it is still important to appreciate the past and the devices that transformed how we used to go about our daily lives.