So it turns out that I’m not part of generation X but that’s not a bad thing since according to various sources being part of generation Y is much better. The table below shows some of the differences between the two generations.
| Generation X | Generation Y |
| Born 1965-1976 51 million |
Born 1977 – 1998 75 million |
|
Accept diversity Pragmatic/practical Self-reliant/individualistic Reject rules Killer life Mistrust institutions PC Use technology Multitask Latch-key kids Friend-not family |
Celebrate diversity Optimistic/realistic Self-inventive/individualistic Rewrite the rules Killer lifestyle Irrelevance of institutions Internet Assume technology Multitask fast Nurtured Friends = family |
Given that the above is a general statement of the difference between the last two generations. The above will apply to different people in different degrees but some of the above applies to everyone born in those years. But then again they are very general attributes and I’m sure someone will point out that some of each applies to them. But that’s the nature of general assertions of a generations characteristics.
Anyhow apparently one of our greatest attributes is our complete rejection of the counter culture that was a major part of generation X and the 1960′s baby boomers. We don’t scorn our parents as previous generations have and surveys have shown that among generation Y college students in the US they talk to parents an average of 1.5 times a day about a variety of things instead of just a “checking up” conversation. We are also the most liberal generation ever with a large proportion being in favour of same sex marriage and LBGT rights. Despite us being a relatively liberal and progressive society, this generation has seen an increase in the number of youth organisations dedicated to the conservation of well conservative views and ideals.
In terms of technology we well rock! completely with the vast majority of us being completely techno-literate and adaptable to changes in technology user interfaces and the such. We IM, network and multi task like no generation has before thanks in large part to the explosion of the internet in the late 90′s and early 00′s. What surprises most of the older generation is out ability to multi task strangely enough. They can’t seem to comprehend how having an im conversation with 2/3 people, writing report and listening to some music is nothing out of the ordinary. Generation Y are also the most important component of the emerging web 2.0 trend. Without us and our seeming love of being connected to our friends sites like facebook, youtube and digg would never have taken off. Without this love of participation and being able to connect and share virtually everything we do with our friends almost instantly these sites would never have taken off the way they did.
One of the most interesting things I found when reading about generation Y was that we repeatedly shun big music industry manufactured artists and prefer to deal with independent bands and acts. This is one of the main reasons attributed to the indie rock breakthrough into the mainstream. Also shockingly we tend to live at home for longer than previous generations have. Also a fun fact is that we make up over 20% of the worlds population. So with most of having liberal and progressive social views and having the highest proportion of college graduates it seems like our generation could be the greatest ever. It’s possible that during our tenure of society that real change could happen. Maybe it’s already started with Barack Obama’s election in 2008 and the introduction of a bill in Ireland allowing same sex civil partnerships in 2009/2010. Things look like they are starting to change.
