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Gen Z - a confident generation raised in the era of technological boom, has brought about many differences in both thoughts and actions in self-proving. So what is Gen Z? Are you a Gen Z of the new era? Let's explore right away with Mytour.
What is Gen Z?
Gen Z is the abbreviated term for Generation Z, referring to the group of people born between the Millennials and Alpha generations. In other words, Gen Z is the collective term for those born between 1995 and 2012. Therefore, most Gen Z individuals are usually the children of Generation X.
The term Gen Z or Zoomer first appeared in 2000 in an Advertising Age article, discussing the changes that would occur in education. Nowadays, the term Gen Z is used more broadly. Not only to refer to birth years and age, but Gen Z is also often used to describe individuals with youthful and modern personalities and lifestyles.
What are the characteristics of Gen Z?
Growing up in the era of rapid technological and media development, Gen Z is also known as the digital generation or the iGen. They have come of age in a world entirely different from previous generations with the following characteristics.
Embracing cultural diversity
Gen Z is a generation with high cultural and ethnic diversity, with young people coming from various countries and ethnicities. They can use multiple languages and enjoy exploring different cultures.
Technology literacy skills
Gen Z is the generation that has grown up with technology, they have the ability to use various digital devices, from smartphones to laptops and other mobile devices. They are capable of seeking information and solving problems using technology.
High adaptability of Gen Z
The high adaptability of Gen Z is an important characteristic that helps this generation to adapt to the rapid and unpredictable changes of the modern world. Gen Z can withstand pressure and is ready to adapt to different situations. They are considered intelligent and flexible young people, capable of switching between tasks and equipped with the necessary skills to complete them.
Sensitivity of Gen Z
Gen Z is more socially sensitive than previous generations. They tend to care about social and environmental issues. This generation often has a high awareness of equality and the rights of all people, including communities and minorities. They have a social conscience, focusing on improving issues such as climate change, multicultural policies, and racial discrimination.
Furthermore, early success pressure and achieving high accomplishments in life can cause stress for Gen Z. Along with the explosion of media and social networks, peer pressure of the Z generation is becoming increasingly profound.
What is before Gen Z?
Before Gen Z is the Millennial generation, also known as Gen Y. Millennials are those born roughly from 1981 to 1996, while Gen Z are those born from around 1997 to 2012.
However, the clear distinction between these two generations does not only depend on age and conventional definitions. When referring to someone as Gen Y or Gen Z, people often want to talk more about their personality and lifestyle.
What comes after Gen Z?
After Gen Z comes the Alpha generation. Gen Alpha is the generation born after 2012. While Gen Z mainly accessed technology through desktop computers and laptops, Gen Alpha is born into a completely digitized world and accesses technology through mobile devices and Internet-connected devices. This has created certain distinctions between Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
Differences between gen z and gen y
Gen Z and Gen Y (Millennials) are two different young generations with many differences in thinking, mindset, values, and the influence of technology. Below are some differences between Gen Z and Gen Y.
Origin
Gen Y (Millennials) is the generation born approximately from 1981 to 1996, while Gen Z is the generation born approximately from 1997 to 2012.
Engagement with technology
Gen Z was born into a digitized world, with accessing and using mobile technology and social media becoming a natural part of life, whereas Gen Y was trained in technology through personal computers and websites, as a working tool.
Perceptions of work between gen y and gen z
Gen Y is believed to be a generation with high demand for meaningful and contributory work, while also tending to pursue a balance between life and work, whereas Gen Z tends to be more concerned with flexibility and freedom in seeking employment opportunities.
Impact of social media
Gen Y experienced the development of the first social networks like Facebook, while Gen Z experiences social media with greater speed and diversity, especially video-based social media apps like TikTok or Instagram Reels.
Other generations besides Gen Z
In addition to Gen Y (Millennials) and Gen Z, there are many other generations that have appeared in human history. Below are some notable generations:
Baby Boomers Generation (born 1946-1964)
This is the generation born after World War II and is called 'Baby Boomers' due to the high birth rate during this period. This generation is often described as optimistic, concerned about social and political issues, and tends to focus on career and material success.
Generation X (born 1965-1980)
This generation came of age during tough economic times and cultural protests against war. Generation X is often described as independent, practical, and not overly optimistic about the future. They are a group with common characteristics of both Generation X and Millennials, as they have experienced the transition from the traditional world to the digital world.
Silent Generation (born from 1928 to 1945)
This is the generation that came of age in the post-World War II era, the period of recovery, and also the first generation to have access to various forms of mass media.
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Caption: The Silent Generation
So, do you know what Gen Z is? It can be seen that Generation Z - the generation born and raised in the digital world - is gradually becoming a promising generation. However, they also have many differences that families and society need to understand in order to accompany and interact with them effectively.
