Millennials often express their thoughts about their Boomer parents online, and recently, they have been discussing their frustration regarding their parents’ constant phone use. In a July 2025 thread on the r/generationology subreddit, a Millennial user named Old-Beautiful-3971 described their annoyance with their Boomer parents, who seem always attached to their phones. The user mentioned that their parents, who are at the younger end of the Boomer generation, act like they are in their 20s, being preoccupied with their devices. They shared a specific incident where they tried to have an important talk with their dad, but he didn’t look up from his phone, possibly watching Instagram videos.
The user pointed out that when they were younger, their dad used to insist they pay attention during conversations. Now, if they were to ask their dad to stop using his phone, he would likely react defensively. Fellow Millennials joined the conversation, sharing similar experiences. One person remarked that they feel strange about having developed the habit of putting their phone face-down to show they are listening, especially since their parents often criticize phone and TV usage. Another commenter noted that their dad stays glued to his phone during meals, rarely engaging in conversation, which is the same behavior he once criticized when they brought a book to the table.
The issue of Boomer parents being preoccupied with their phones also affects shared activities like watching movies. One Millennial explained that it has become challenging to enjoy a film together because their parents often need reminders to put their phones away, sometimes taking days to finish a movie. Others mentioned how they try to encourage their family to put their phones down, especially in front of younger children. A user pointed out that their Boomer mom and younger brother are often on their devices during family visits, which they find concerning for their child to see.
There is a term researchers use for this behavior: “phubbing,” which refers to ignoring someone in favor of a phone. A study from 2016 found that this can lead to lower relationship satisfaction among couples. Another related term, “technoference,” describes how parents’ phone use can interrupt family interactions, and studies have shown it may lead to more behavioral issues in children over time. One commenter explained that they decided to stop visiting their Boomer mom because they felt frustrated that their time together was often spent with her on her phone. They mentioned they switched to texting instead of calling, as it felt less hurtful. Now, when they visit, their mom and her husband make an effort to limit phone use and keep the TV at a lower volume.
What do you think about the impact of phone use on family relationships?
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Source: Upworthy, by Emily Shiffer