According to the Pew Research Center, Generation Z consists of cohorts between 1997 and 2012. Therefore, the Generation Z age range in 2023 is between 26 years old and 11 years old.
However, some other researches, stating 20 years lapsus for each generation, locate this generation after millennials between 1996 and 2016. Therefore, the Gen Z age range in 2023 is between 27 and 7 years old.
While some other big firms count more loosely, considering Gen Z years from 1995 to 2010 or 2009, the Cambridge Dictionary defines them as “the group of people who were born in the US and Western Europe after 2001”.
The post millennials, Generation Z, is arguably the most interesting to analyze at the moment.
Generation Z Characteristics
When it comes to Generation Z, there is one focus and joint agreement. Everybody recognizes that Generation Z is the first generation of digital natives; this is the main Generation Z characteristic, differentiating them the most from previous generations.
From the political point of view, Generation Z does not remember 09/11, and the only American president they knew when they came to age is Donald Trump. They grew up with the Afghanistan occupation, war on terror, and multiculturalism.
Another enormous difference between Generation Z and any other generation before is that this is the first global culture, making them more open-minded and tolerant towards differences (in terms of culture, ethnicity, religion and gender) than any other generation.
There is a lot of great things to say about this generation. They don’t smoke, are less interested in consuming alcohol and drugs. Partying all night long does not attract them either. Instead, they live a healthier lifestyle and prefer to gather with friends at home and do different activities together.
The downside? The screens.
They are the generation that spends more time behind their tablet or phone. Funny enough, Gen Z great grandparents were called the silent generation (because they were the parents of the noisy Baby Boomers). Gens Zers receive the same name, but in this case, because they are actually silent while looking at their phones (big time). Smartphones and iPhones are everywhere; another nickname for this generation is the iGeneration.
Their life seems to be shaped by their relation to mobile technology. They don’t know the world without constant connectivity, on-demand entertainment, and social media. As a result, they can naturally integrate offline and online experiences and cross-reference diverse sources of information.
Generation Z is a hypercognitive group of young people who can focus on one specific thing less than previous generations. Although this can be concerning, it can be a pro when it comes to multitasking and all the characteristics stated above, crucial in the future job market.
Their technology management sets them apart from previous generations, which empowers them as they can be highly influential for people of all incomes and ages since they can influence their consuming behaviors by social media advertisements.
There is a fascinating multigeneration connection. As Z Gens are the offspring of Generation X, they have similar characteristics to this generation; although they can be cynical, they are not rebellious but conservative and cautious.
But, like their parents, they are autonomous and like to figure out things for themselves (this is to say with a how-to YouTube video).
Millennials vs Gen z.
Similarities between Millennials and Zers
Both cohorts are tech-savvy. Millennials created some of the technologies in use today, while Z Gens are the first digital natives. They grew up using the technology and started to learn how to use it at an early age.
Both age groups are global citizens. Millennials take the credit for creating and adopting some of the technologies that connect the globe. Apps like Instagram and Facebook are products of millennial labor, and Z gens are some of the most significant users of these apps. They leverage them to interact with friends globally and earn an income, as digital marketing is common for both generations.
Differences between Millennials and Gen Zers
Millennials are going to be wealthier than Gen Zers. This is because the millennial generation had less complicated conditions to invest in when they were young than their following cohort.
Which is the generation after Gen Z?
Generation Alpha is the best bet for defining a new generation for the babies and children of today.