Gen Z Asks: How Did We Navigate Before GPS? Viral Video Sparks Generational Debate on Map Skills

A recent viral video by TikTok creator aneishaaaaaaa has sparked a lively debate and nostalgic reflection across social media, asking a question that highlights a significant generational divide: "How did people get around before phones had GPS?" The video features the creator, Aneisha, sitting in her car, genuinely perplexed by the concept of pre-GPS navigation. She asks, "Did you guys actually pull a map and like draw lines to your destination? But then how does that work when you're driving by yourself, trying to hold up the map and drive?" Her query, delivered with a mix of curiosity and bewilderment, quickly resonated with millions, garnering over 389,600 views and 25,200 comments. The comment section became a rich tapestry of historical navigation methods. Many users from older generations shared their experiences, with "MapQuest" being a frequently cited answer for the early internet era. One user commented, "Map, you pulled map out and plotted your route before you started driving." Another added, "Before MapQuest, etc. We looked at the map, mapped out the roads and turns to our destination, and drove. We remembered and were alert to exit signs, roads, etc." Other popular responses included "Thomas Guide map book," "road atlas in my car," and simply "pulled over and asked the guy at the gas station." Several comments emphasized the reliance on "critical thinking skills" and memorizing routes. One user humorously noted, "If you said Mapquest, you’re still young." The video effectively taps into a universal experience of travel and technology, prompting both amusement and a deeper appreciation for the conveniences of modern GPS. It serves as a digital time capsule, showcasing how past generations navigated the world and fostering intergenerational dialogue on a seemingly simple yet profound question.

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one month ago

Gen Zer asks Gen X how they got around without GPS and the replies are pure nos…

If you said 'Mapquest' you don't know the half of it.