The first thing you’re probably asking yourself is how you can take a bunch of people, and claim they have anything in common? Although it may look like a stupid generalization, many scientists think there is value in discussing and analysing big cohorts of people. First of all, because identifying characteristics about generations can help groups of people work more effectively and collaboratively, but also because generational commonalities can provide an opportunity for bonding – don’t we enjoy those memes about being a 90’s kid? When we see them we usually laugh, not because they’re so funny but because we remember the reference as a cultural touchpoint that binds us together. So, if you ever wondered what were other generations like and what brought them together, here’s a guide to generations and their odd nicknames:
Generation Z
Born between 2001 and 2013, they are also called Post-Millenials. This generation is considered to be the most technology-dependent one and was described as “the first tribe of true digital natives”. Apart from their technological knowledge, these teens are considered smarter, safer and are keen on changing and improving the world. Generation Z therefore is (nauseatingly) worthy and deserving of Millennials’ applause.
Generation Y (Millennials)
Born between 1980 and 2000 and before the founding of Google. Their catchphrase is “let me take a selfie” and they’re considered the most selfish and self-regarding generation of them all (oops). One of them is this billionaire:
Generation X
Born between 1965 and 1979, they were originally called the baby busters (as fertility rates fell after the boomers). Sometimes they are referred to as the MTV generation but most of us now will imagine them like this bunch of adults:
The X generation has been characterised by permanent cynicism. Too young to have fought in any major war, old enough to have enjoyed a free education – they have spent too much of their adulthood sitting around in coffee shops trying to set the world to rights.
Baby Boomers
Born between 1943 and 1969, in the immediate years after WWII. These are the men and women who tuned in, got high, dropped out, dodged the draft, swung in the Sixties and became hippies in the Seventies. Some, like Bill Clinton, made it to the White House.
Idealistic and uncynical, this was the generation that fought the cold war and smashed down the Berlin War. But just as many sold out the moment they were able to buy a house and a car. They were the first generation able to go abroad not to fight a war, but to sit on a beach.