The main difference between generation Y and Z is that generation Y refers to the generation of Millennials born between 1981 and 1996, while generation Z is the generation born between 1997 and 2012.
According to the surveys and researches conducted using people belonging to these generations, there exist some distinct differences between generation Y and generation Z in terms of their aspirations and values.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Generation Y
– Definition, Features
2. What is Generation Z
– Definition, Features
2. Similarities Between Generation Y and Z
– Outline of Common Features
3. Difference Between Generation Y and Z
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Generation Y, Generation Z, Gen Z, Millennials, Zoomers
What is Generation Y
Generation Y refers to people born between the years 1984 and 1996. Generation Y is also called Millennials, or Gen Y. Millennials were born during a time period where fertility rates were going down across the globe. This is why generation Y have relatively fewer children compared to their predecessors.
Generation Y is considered the first generation that grew up in the Internet age. Therefore, generation Y is recognized for their high usage of the internet, social media platforms and digital and mobile devices. Due to their familiarity with digital devices and platforms, we also call them the “digital natives”.
What is Generation Z
Generation Z, also known as the Gen Z or zoomers, are people born after 1997. After generation Y, generation Z is the next to enter the global workforce. In brief, they are the generation succeeding the Millennials and preceding the Generation Alpha.
Similar to Generation Y, the members of Generation Z also grew up with access to the internet and other digital technologies. Therefore, we also use the name “digital natives” to refer to the members of generation Z. However, compared to Generation Y, members of Generation Z are not that digitally literate.
Across the world, members of Generation Z spend a considerable amount of time on electronic and digital devices. In addition, they spend less time reading books and engaging in outdoor activities like doing sports or gardening when we compare them with previous generations.
Similarities Between Generation Y and Z
- Both generations Y and Z are largely influenced by technological innovations.
- Moreover, most of the members of the Y generation and the firstborns of the Z generation are in the job market currently.
Difference Between Generation Y and Z
Definition
Generation Y refers to the generation of the Millennials born between 1981 and 1996 while gen Z is the generation born between 1997 and 2012.
Current Age
Currently, the age of the members of generation Y is between 25 to 40 years while the ages of the Z generation members lie between 9 and 24 years.
Education
The last of the Millennial generation graduated college during the past few years while most of the Gen Z’ers, born between 1997 and 2012, are still in school.
Technological Literacy and Familiarity
Millennials witnessed the origin and the elevation of the internet and other digital technologies, including social media, while generation Z always grew up with technology.
Conclusion
In brief, the main difference between generation Y and generation Z is that generation Y refers to Millennials born between 1981 and 1996, while generation Z refers to the zoomers born between 1997 and 2012. Both these generations are considered digital natives. However, their exposure to technology is different as generation Y witnessed the birth of technology and internet while the generation Z never lived without technology.
Reference:
1. Meola, Andrew. “Generation Z News: Latest Characteristics, Research, and Facts.” Insider Intelligence.
2. Arora, Nidhi, and Vijay Dhole. “Generation Y: Perspective, Engagement, Expectations, Preferences and Satisfactions from Workplace; a Study Conducted in Indian Context.” Benchmarking: An International Journal, Emerald Publishing Limited, 20 Feb. 2019.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Gen Z” (CC BY 2.0) by www.epictop10.com
2. “Generation Y” By Anne Fiedler – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
Leave a Reply