Types of Generations, Generational Characteristics and Online Behaviors: Millennials, Gen Z, and Beyond – A Detailed Year-by-Year Guide

Millennials, Gen Z, etc. are popular terms on social media. They are the generation name labels for a particular year. Therefore, today we are going to see the classification of generations, and all the characteristics of these generational groups along with their names to help us connect to our trendy kids.

Millennials, Generation XYZ, the alpha … I’m sure they sound familiar to you but… What are they like, what do they think, how do they behave? What are the differences that make them unique? We will discuss this in detail.

Do you know which of these groups you belong to? Discover it here!

It all depends on the year of birth. These groups encompass a specific era that sociologists and economists determine according to certain characteristics of the population born in those years. They share historical, political… and of course, social milestones.

List Of Generations

• Silent Generation (1928 – 1945)
• Baby Boomers (1946 – 1964)
• Generation X (1965 – 1980)
• Millennials (1981 – 1996)
• Generation Z (1997 – 2012)
• Alpha Generation (2013 – Present)

1. Silent Generation:

People who were born in 1928 – 1945, belong to this generation. They are the survivors of a period because they grew up during the Great Depression and World War II. They value tradition, discipline, and hard work. Great workers, austere, self-sacrificing and very realistic. There wasn’t much room ‘to dream’. Without contact with new technologies, they observe the dizzying change in society, somewhat displeased. Post-war children are the oldest today, and now, the most vulnerable to the new COVID-19 virus that is leaving so many deaths in the world. There are countless tales to share and countless examples to set for future generations. And so much experience to share with your grandchildren.

As they are?

• Fighters
• Sacrificed
• Austere
• Persevering
• Realistic
• Nostalgic

2. Baby Boomers:

People who were born between 1946 to 1964, belong to this generation. They are the Post-War Population. It resulted in a massive rise in the birth rate of children. They are currently 56–76 years old, and they require a little time to become used to modern technologies. They yearn for the days gone by, for that “happy” period when kids used to play outside without regard for the TV or the nonexistent social media. The “baby boomers,” who are hardworking and possess strong morals and values, occasionally think in a daze about how the younger generation, engrossed in too many activities and an information overload, forgets to occasionally pause and simply enjoy life. Their children are now older, and the vast majority already have grandchildren, so they once again feel the ‘responsibility’ of helping their family and offer themselves indispensable support.

As they are?

• Workers
• Sacrificed
• With very solid values
• Generous
• Nostalgic

3. Generation X:

People who were born from 1965 to 1980 belong to this generation. It is a golden age era. The best music, the openness to greater freedom. Generation X are free as the wind, they were the first ‘devourers’ of cinema and television. They experienced great technological advances and began to ‘flirt’ with the first video games and computers. The future was about to arrive and they felt like protagonists of this change. They are now between 41 and 57 years old. The vast majority, with children (in many cases, already teenagers).

As they are?

• Creative, emotional
• Dreamers
• Fighters
• Very good at working as a team
• Passionate about the future
• Obsessed with success
• They are the ones that best adapt to changes

4. The Millennials:

People who were born between 1981 to 1996 belong to this generation. Also known as the ‘nini generation’. It is a technological advancement generation with the internet and globalization. Their parents (the ‘Baby Boomers’) wanted to give their children everything that they could not enjoy themselves. That’s why they were granted everything. They are also known as ‘Generation Y’, they are between 29 and 41 years old. Although they were called ‘selfish and individualistic’, the truth is that they are highly committed to Nature, different social movements and healthy eating.

As they are?

• The great frustrated (and rebels)
• Lovers of Globalization, consider themselves citizens of the world
• Interested in protecting the planet
• Many of them, obsessed with healthy eating
• Challengers to established norms
• Self-taught and autonomous. They find it difficult to work as a team.

5. Generation Z:

People who were born in 1997 to 2012, belong to this generation. They are the so-called ‘Centennials’. The first natives of the new 21st century. Without a doubt, the most irreverent. Passionate about social networks. Now they are between 12 and 26 years old so the vast majority are teenagers or have just entered the world of work. They enjoy a type of humour that only they understand. Because they have, they even have their own ‘vocabulary’.

As they are?

• Social media addicts
• Standard bearers of diversity and globalization
• They use ‘generational’ humour and vocabulary
• Activists
• Obsessed with external perfection
• Impatient
• Fervent followers of Instagrammers and YouTubers

6. The ‘Alpha’:

People who were born in 2013 still today and going on. The ‘smallest’ of the generations. They are between 0 and 13 years old. They are hyperactive, playing while watching videos on YouTube and having a snack, responding to a message on social networks or WhatsApp and doing their homework.

They are ‘very mature’ children for their age, perhaps because they consume content that other generations were not able to access so early. And let’s not forget their added ‘plus’: they are the ‘Covid’ children. They have grown apart, respecting isolation rules that will surely mark them when they grow up.

As they are?

• Hyperactive
• Impatient
• The first generation of ‘virtual reality’
• Less emotional.
• They have fewer ‘real’ friends and more ‘virtual’ ones
• Followers and consumers of online entertainment and information channels and platforms
• It is the ‘Covid’ generation

The next generation already has a name. It will be ‘Beta’. There is still no data on the exact date of its beginning and characteristics.

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FAQs:-

1. What defines each generation?
– Each generation is defined by the era in which they were born, encompassing shared historical, cultural, and social experiences.

2. What are the main generations and their years?
– Silent Generation (1928 – 1945), Baby Boomers (1946 – 1964), Generation X (1965 – 1980), Millennials (1981 – 1996), Generation Z (1997 – 2012), Alpha Generation (2013 – Present).

3. How do Silent Generation behave online?
– The Silent Generation tends to be less active online, preferring traditional communication methods. However, some may utilize technology for practical purposes like staying in touch with family.

4. What characterizes Baby Boomers’ online behavior?
– Baby Boomers are becoming more tech-savvy but may still prefer face-to-face interactions. They often use social media to connect with family and share memories.

5. How does Generation X engage online?
– Generation X is comfortable with technology and often utilizes it for both professional and personal purposes. They may engage in online communities and social media for networking and entertainment.

6. What defines Millennials’ online behavior?
– Millennials are highly active online, often using social media for communication, activism, and self-expression. They are digital natives who embrace technology for both work and leisure.

7. How do Generation Z interact online?
– Generation Z is the most digitally connected generation, heavily engaged in social media and online communities. They prioritize authenticity and are influential in shaping online trends.

8. What characterizes the Alpha Generation’s online presence?
– The Alpha Generation, being born into the digital age, is extremely comfortable with technology. They are adept at navigating various online platforms and consume digital content from a young age.

9. How do generational behaviors influence online trends?
– Generational behaviors shape the types of content consumed, communication styles, and online preferences. Understanding these behaviors helps marketers tailor their strategies to target specific demographics effectively.

10. How can businesses adapt to cater to different generational preferences online?
– Businesses can adapt by understanding the unique characteristics and preferences of each generation. This involves creating personalized marketing strategies, utilizing appropriate communication channels, and staying abreast of evolving online trends.