Researchers and popular media use the mid-to-late 1990s as starting birth years and the early 2010s as ending birth years. Most members of Generation Z are children of Generation X.
Generational definitions are most useful when they span a set age range and so allow meaningful comparisons across generations. That is why the generations today each span 15 years with Generation Y (Millennials) born from 1980 to 1994; Generation Z from 1995 to 2009 and Generation Alpha from 2010 to 2024.
Aged between eight and 23 years old, generation Z or the post-millennial generation will take the lead in a few decades.
We are in the midst of a generational landmark, as Generation Z (born 1995-2009) begin to enter the workforce and Generation Alpha (born 2010-2024) move through their schooling years.
Gen Alpha is the generation following Gen Z and currently includes all children born in or after 2010—the same year the iPad was born. The majority of this demographic is under 12 years of age, but the oldest of them will become teens in 2022.
Various think tanks and analytics companies also have set a 1997 start date. Although the U.S. Census does not identify Gen Z like it does the baby boomers, a U.S. Census publication in 2020 described Generation Z as the “young and mobile” population with oldest members of the cohort born "after 1996".
Gen Z Terms and Definitions
Pew Research recently defined Gen Z as anyone born 1997 onwards. Gen Z grew up with technology, the internet, and social media, which sometimes causes them to be stereotyped as tech-addicted, anti-social, or “social justice warriors.”
who are between the ages of 18 and 25, and even once the youngest members of Gen Z (just 10 years old in 2022) are factored in, there are only about 68 million members of this generation, according to the Census Bureau, compared with 73.4 million millennials.
When we first started delving into the buying habits of Gen Z and Millennials, we found Gen Z to be pragmatic, focused on saving money, and wanting brands to constantly innovate. Millennials, on the other hand, were idealistic, willing to pay more for experiences, and committed to their favorite brands.
Alpha children are permanently connected. Such is their attention to new technologies that it becomes a way of life. Independents. They are independent when it comes to making their own decisions and managing their digital identities, and they expect their individual needs and preferences to be taken into account.
Most members of Generation Z are children of Generation X. As the first social generation to have grown up with access to the Internet and portable digital technology from a young age, members of Generation Z, even if not necessarily digitally literate, have been dubbed "digital natives".
Alternatives to Generation Alpha
Some respondents suggested the label 'the Millennium Generation', perhaps appropriate given the fact that this next generation will be the first to have been born into the 21st century.
One-third (32%) of Gen Z respondents say they are the hardest-working generation ever, with Millennials ranked as the second-hardest working generation at 25%. More than half (56%) say the Silent Generation is the least hardworking generation of all time.
Due to the cyclical nature of generational characteristics, “the New Silent Generation” may be the most descriptive name, because its members will likely mimic many of the traits of the Silent Generation (born 1923-1944).
Gen Z refers to people born between 1995 and 2010. The 'Z' in the name means "zoomer", as this is the first generation known to 'zoom' the internet. Most of those who are a part of Gen Z are the children of Generation X.
Millennials are a demographic cohort or age group, also known as Generation Y. They're called millennials because they became adults around the time of the millennium.
Millennials were the largest generation group in the U.S. in 2021, with an estimated population of 72.19 million. Born between 1981 and 1996, Millennials recently surpassed Baby Boomers as the biggest group, and they will continue to be a major part of the population for many years.
A highly connected world, climate change, a global pandemic that's impacting job security, and financial debt are some main causes of increased anxiety, stress, and depression among Gen Zers.
According to a 2021 Consumer Culture Report by 5WPR, Gen Z is prioritizing electronics, technology, health, and wellness.
A member of Gen Z is anyone born between 1996 and the early-mid 2000s (end date can vary depending on source). In the U.S., there are approximately 90 million members of Gen Z, or “Gen Zers.”
Gen Z is also the smartest and best educated generation. Having an unlimited wealth of information at our disposal has not gone to waste. In America, 57 percent of Gen Z is reported to have enrolled in a two-year or four-year college, compared to 52 percent of Millenials and 43 percent of Gen X.