Generation Z is the next wave in generational cohorts! If you’re not familiar with the term ‘generational cohorts’, more common words like Millennials, Baby Boomers and Generation X might ring a bell with you. These are generations, from a range of birth dates, that are influenced by the times they grew up in. It’s a way of categorizing whole groups of people and defining them based on their historical context in regards to global happenings, cultural trends, and technological advancements.
So what range are we looking at exactly? According to the Pew Research Center, anyone born between 1997 and 2012 fall into Gen Z. To understand this up-and-coming generation you have to look at the context of these years and compare them to the generations before. Advances in technology are always a dramatic influence on generations, but from the late 90s and on, the world has seen unprecedented levels of change. The internet, streaming media platforms, and social media have been around for the majority of Gen Zers lives. This opens new avenues that weren’t available to the generations before. They’re native to the digital world. So, let’s take a look at the other generations to really understand how Generation Z came into being.
Baby Boomers
The Years: 1946 -1964
Current Ages: 55 to 73
The Context: Post World War II optimism, economic growth, and an expanding population. A cultural explosion in film, music, and environmental movements. On the downside, the Vietnam War.
Gen X
Other Names: MTV generation
The Years: 1965-1980
Current Ages: 39 to 54
The Context: Political transition during the Cold War and the rise of capitalist neo-liberalism. The idea of meritocracy became rooted in political discourse.
Gen Y
Other Names: Millennials, Gen Me, Echo Boomers
The Years: 1981-1996
Current Ages: 23 to 38
The Context: Globalization is taken to the next level. The internet and social media explode, connecting people from all over the world. Economic stability makes way for a recession, as these millennials grow older.
Gen Z
Other Names: Post Millennial, iGeneration, Digital Natives
The Years: 1997 – Today
Current Ages: 7-22
The Context: Born amidst or in the lead up to the financial crisis of 2008. Grew up with excessive exposure to phones, tablets, and other digital technologies.
Each of these generations grew up in different technological worlds but none of them have been as interconnected with it as Gen Z. With the rise of smart technology, smart homes, smart cars, personal assistants, virtual reality and augmented reality; they’re living on the cusp of technological evolution. Streaming and social media are providing platforms for them to become influencers and creatives without the need for backing from third parties. The avenues provided by technology are a major influence on this gen and will most likely continue into the next one.
With a background in psychology and sociology, love of football, literature, travel and music, Aonghus had always tried to be trendy, but then the trends changed.
