Gen Z discovers way to determine co-workers’ ages — and it starts with your email address
Gen Z has a new way to determine if someone is “old.”
According to one Reddit user, your email might be giving away your age.
The writer shared that she gave a Gen Z coworker her personal email address, which is just her full name “at” gmail.com with no additional letters or numbers.
The young colleague apparently asked her, “How did you get an email address like that??”
“I had to explain when Gmail first came out, it was invitation only, but I got one from a friend early on and my name was still available,” she wrote.
“Oh my god, I’m old,” she added in realization.
She clarified that explaining the invitation process made her feel old because the Gen Z coworker never knew that Gmail required one “back in the day.”
“I have a common name but this wasn’t my first email address I ever had. Just the one I’m still using,” the user shared.
Reddit commenters shared their personal experiences about how their email was an unexpected age marker.
“When I would have to go through resumes, the email people used was always fascinating. But yep — I am first name.last name old,” someone said.
“I’m EarthLink.net old,” another wrote.
“Ha! I thought it was just me. Everyone in our house — even the kids — has a Gmail account with their first initial and last name. One day, I hope the kids realize how cool that is,” one commented.
Many also pointed out that having a Hotmail, Yahoo or AOL email address often gives away one’s age as well.
“Hotmail with my name, no special characters. Of course, using Hotmail period makes me a geezer. Had it since 97, not changing it,” someone noted.
“Got a Yahoo email address I set up 22 years ago, still going,” a user added.
“I still use my AOL email. It’s a badge of honor at this point. I love that it triggers certain people,” someone else quipped.
A few even admitted that having a simple Gmail address can be a curse.
“Having a simple Gmail address is a curse. So many people accidentally sign up for things using my email address, at least once a week,” one shared.
“This has caused problems for me as just about every person over 60 thinks it’s their email address,” another added. “So. Many. Doctors. Appointment. Emails.”
