When Your Coffee Chat Turns Into a Generational Debate on AI

When Your Coffee Chat Turns Into a Generational Debate on AI
Image generated by Adil Errami

While waiting for my coffee, I met Mr. Mohamed, an older gentleman with the classic “technology is moving too fast” vibe. “We didn’t grow up with this stuff; it’s leaving us behind,” he said, shaking his head.

I smiled. “Honestly, it’s not about age, it’s about mindset. Anyone can learn if they want to.”

He chuckled, clearly amused. “Mindset, huh? Easier said than done. Back in my day, we stuck to what we studied. You don’t want to fry your brain chasing every new thing.”

I nodded, trying my best not to sound like a motivational poster. “But look at Bill Gates, 69 and still in the tech game. Age doesn’t matter; curiosity does.”

He wasn’t buying it. “That’s Bill Gates. Not most people. Ideas alone don’t mean much without a foundation.”

Ah yes, the classic generational wall: identity, ego, and pride. Mr. Mohamed wasn’t rejecting tech because he couldn’t understand it, he was protecting the image of the wise elder.

What Mr. Mohamed Taught Me (and you too)

Arguing with someone protecting their identity? Facts alone won’t win.

How to Navigate Tough Cross-Generational Conversations

1. Start with Validation

“I get it, this tech stuff is a whole new world.”

Acknowledging their experience lowers defenses. Bonus points if you do it while nodding knowingly.

2. Use Relatable Examples

“My neighbor learned coding at 70, just for fun.”

Skip the billionaires. Normal humans doing normal things feel achievable.

3. Invite Curiosity, Don’t Push

“Want me to show you a cool AI trick that makes life easier?”

Collaboration > confrontation.

4. Make it a Shared Journey

“We’re all figuring this out together. It’s about what we can explore now.”

Nothing like a little “we’re in this together” to avoid feeling like a lecture.

5. Respect Boundaries and Be Patient

If they resist, chill. Real change needs time.

The Psychology Behind It

  • Identity Protection: Threaten someone’s self-image, and their brain will throw a full defense. Facts are useless here.
  • Generational Frames: “We were bypassed by technology” = polite ego armor.
  • Power Dynamics: Elders like to keep their authority. Challenging them = danger zone.
  • Effective Communication: Empathy, shared curiosity, and small steps beat debates every time.

Moral of the Coffee Chat

You can’t make Mr. Mohamed a tech guru in one sitting… but you can make him think, and maybe, just maybe, peek at AI without feeling like he’s failing at life.

Read more