The word "teenager" was actually created in the 1950s, due to the overwhelming population (baby boom!) and because they were beginning to become more independent. World War II brought an economic power to North America and brought change to society. Music, clothing, hairstyles, television, and expectations of teens all changed drastically.
Rock n' roll became the new, popular music that teenagers all seemed to enjoy, but their parents didn't. That's where you'd hear about Elvis. Rock n' roll is kind of like today's rap music, most parent's don't like it, but a lot of teenagers do. Rock n' roll was also blamed for teenager's rebellion. Because their parent's didn't want their children listening to it, their would often be disputes in these families. While a teen's parents wouldn't want them listening to it, all their friends would be, so they would rebel and listen to it anyway.
Teens also started talking in slang, and because of the recent law made that all schools integrated, it had a mix of African American slang in it, which often bugged parents. Hot-rod, cat, and cool-it were all common terms. These days, our slang is a bit different. We say things like swag, hipster, and bae. (Shudder.) Each generation has their own slang, it just changes with the times.
Our generation is very dependent on technology. We basically carry mini computers in our pockets with us wherever we go. The best technology in the 1950s was coloured TV, AM radio, and microwave ovens. Technology would probably be the biggest difference between our generations.
All in all, being a teenager in the '50s compared to being a teenager now would be a completely different experience. The '50s were a time of change and the start of rebellious behaviour, and now that is just expected from teenagers. It's similar in the way that we still get obsessed with bands, have our own slang and fashion, but everything is in our way now.
