8 Key Differences between Gen Z and

Millennials

By George Beall

A question I’ve been hearing a lot lately is “What is the difference

between Millennialsand Generation Z?” I am going to list 8 key differences
between Gen Z and Millennials in this post, hopefully shedding some light
here.
Generation Z, as they have been coined, consist of those born in 1995 or
later. This generation makes up 25.9% of the United States population, the
largest percentage, and contribute $44 billion to the American economy. By
2020, they will account for one-third of the U.S. population, certainly worth
paying attention to.
Just so we’re clear:
A “Millennial” is a person reaching young adulthood around the year 2000.
Generation Z (also known as Post-Millennials, the iGeneration, Founders,
Plurals, or the Homeland Generation) is the demographic cohort following
the Millennials.

The difference between the two is important to know in order to prepare your
business, shift marketing, adjust leadership, and adapt recruiting efforts to
stay relevant for the future.

How Generation Z Differs from Millennials

1. Less Focused

Today relevant is constantly being refined and Gen Z lives in a world of

continuous updates. Gen Z processes information faster than other
generations thanks to apps like Snapchat and Vine. Thus their attention spans
might be significantly lower than Millennials.

2. Better Multi-Taskers

Though Gen Z can be less focused than their Millennial counterparts, in

school, they will create a document on their school computer, do research on
their phone or tablet, while taking notes on a notepad, then finish in front of
the TV with a laptop, while face-timing a friend. You get the picture.

Gen Z can quickly and efficiently shift between work and play, with multiple
distractions going on in the background...working on multiple tasks at once.
Talk about multi-multi-tasking. Just think about how this kind of flow might
reshape the office.

3. Bargains

Millennials care more about prices than Gen Z. This is arguably because they
came of age during the recession.

Sixty-seven percent of millennials surveyed said that they would go to the

website to get a coupon, whereas only 46% of Gen Z polled said they would
do the same.
Millennials also tend to click on more ads; 71% of Millennials in a recent
poll said they followed an advertisement online before making a purchase,
however only 59% of Gen Z’ers said the same.

4. Gen Z is Full of Early Starters

Many employers are predicting that more teens, between the ages of 16 and
18 will go straight into the workforce, opting out of the traditional route of
higher education, and instead finishing school online, if at all. Would you make
a major investment, possibly leading to years of debt to come—knowing there
are new, more affordable (not to mention more convenient) online alternatives
coming up every day?

As we’ll discuss later in this post, Gen Z knows the true value of
independence, and knowledge is no exception here. If a Gen Z’er knows they
are capable of learning something themselves, or through a more efficient,
non-traditional route, you can bet they’ll take the opportunity.

5. Gen Z Is More Entrepreneurial

According to Gen Z marketing strategist Deep Patel, “the newly developing

high tech and highly networked world has resulted in an entire generation
thinking and acting more entrepreneurially.” Generation Z desires more
independent work environments. As a matter of fact, 72% of teens say they
want to start a business someday.

One apparent recurring factor you might notice throughout this post, is that
many Gen Zidentifying factors can be traced back to the recession in 2008,
from their frugality, to their value of experiences, and increased likelihood to
become entrepreneurs. This is an interesting note to take down.

6. Gen Z Has Higher Expectations Than Millennials

Millennials remember playing solitaire, coming home to dial-up internet and

using AOL. Generation Z was born into a world overrun with technology. What
was taken as amazing and inspiring inventions, are now taken as a given for
teens.

“When it doesn’t get there that fast they think something’s wrong,” said Marcie
Merriman, executive director of growth strategy at Ernst & Young. “They
expect businesses, brands and retailers to be loyal to them. If they don’t feel
appreciated, they’re going to move on. It’s not about them being loyal to the
business.”

7. Gen Z Is Big On Individuality

Gen Z’ers were born social. In fact, nearly 92% of Gen Z has a digital
footprint. Arguably as a result of the celebrities and media they follow, Gen
Z seeks uniqueness in all walks of life primarily through the brands they do
business with, future employers, etc.

8. Gen Z Is More Global

Millennials were considered the first “global” generation with the development
of the internet, but as more of the world comes online — Generation Z will
become more global in their thinking, interactions, and relatability. 58% of
adults worldwide ages 35+ agree that “kids today have more in common with
their global peers than they do with adults in their own country.” Diversity will
be an expectation of Generation Z.

After asking people “Would you call yourself addicted to your digital devices?
(computer, smartphone, etc.),” we found Gen Z’ers are 25% more likely than
Millennials to say they are addicted to their digital devices. A full 40% of Gen
Z are self-identified digital device addicts.

This generation grew up with technology, and for them, it’s probably hard to
go without their devices. If this younger generation is constantly on their
phones or devices and not watching as much live TV, we may experience a
massive shift in advertising methods and marketing messages.

GENERATIONS X,Y, Z AND THE OTHERS

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 Generations X,Y, Z and the Others
We often use phrases or words that we don’t fully understand. Sometimes we
even use words or phrases the meanings of which we are totally clueless. As
people with a passion for words and language, that is generally not viewed as a
desirable trait. Yet, the plain fact is we can’t have a detailed understanding
of every word or phrase…particularly when the word belongs to the jargon of a
larger body of knowledge.

However, when that jargon is in use as often and frequently as the phrases
“Gen X” or “Baby Boomer”, it seems especially important we have some
reasonably good idea of what these terms actually mean. Although these phrases,
as jargon, stem from the larger discipline of demographics, and are used most
frequently by market researchers, the fact is everybody uses these words and
phrases. In effect, these cue words or phrases for the subcomponents of society
demarcated by age are not only useful, but are generally the language used by
non-demographers and society as a whole when discussing the current spectrum of
population cohorts.

Our goal, this month, then, is to provide a primer on the identification and
description of the population cohorts in America as currently widely (but not
universally) agreed upon by demographers and market researchers.
The Depression Era

Born: 1912-1921
Coming of Age: 1930-1939
Age in 2004: 83 to 92
Current Population: 11-12 million (and declining rapidly)

Depression era individuals tend to be conservative, compulsive savers,

maintain low debt and use more secure financial products like CDs versus stocks.
These individuals tend to feel a responsibility to leave a legacy to their
children. Tend to be patriotic, oriented toward work before pleasure, respect
for authority, have a sense of moral obligation.

World War II

Born: 1922 to 1927

Coming of Age: 1940-1945
Age in 2004: 77-82
Current Population: 11 million (in quickening decline)

People in this cohort shared in a common goal of defeating the Axis

powers. There was an accepted sense of “deferment” among this group,
contrasted with the emphasis on “me” in more recent (i.e. Gen X)
cohorts.

Post-War Cohort

Born: 1928-1945
Coming of Age: 1946-1963
Age in 2004: 59 to 76
Current Population: 41 million (declining)

This generation had significant opportunities in jobs and education as the War ended and a
post-war economic boom struck America. However, the growth in Cold War tensions,
the potential for nuclear war and other never before seen threats led to levels
of discomfort and uncertainty throughout the generation. Members of this group
value security, comfort, and familiar, known activities and environments.

Boomers I or The Baby Boomers

Born: 1946-1954
Coming of Age: 1963-1972
Age in 2004: 50-58
Current Population: 33 million

For a long time the Baby Boomers were defined as those born between 1945 and
1964. That would make the generation huge (71 million) and encompass people who
were 20 years apart in age. It didn’t compute to have those born in 1964
compared with those born in 1946. Life experiences were completely different.
Attitudes, behaviors and society were vastly different. In effect, all the
elements that help to define a cohort were violated by the broad span of years
originally included in the concept of the Baby Boomers. The first Boomer segment
is bounded by the Kennedy and Martin Luther King assassinations, the Civil
Rights movements and the Vietnam War. Boomers I were in or protested the War.
Boomers 2 or the Jones Generation missed the whole thing.

Boomers I had good economic opportunities and were largely optimistic about the
potential for America and their own lives, the Vietnam War notwithstanding.

Boomers II or Generation Jones

Born: 1955-1965
Coming of Age: 1973-1983
Age in 2004: 39 to 49
Current Population: 49 million
This first post-Watergate generation lost much of its trust in government and
optimistic views the Boomers I maintained. Economic struggles including the oil
embargo of 1979 reinforced a sense of “I’m out for me” and narcissism and
a focus on self-help and skepticism over media and institutions is
representative of attitudes of this cohort. While Boomers I had Vietnam, Boomers
II had AIDS as part of their rites of passage. The youngest members of the
Boomer II generation in fact did not have the benefits of the Boomer I class as
many of the best jobs, opportunities, housing etc. were taken by the larger and
earlier group. Both Gen X and Boomer II s suffer from this long shadow cast by
Boomers I.

Generation X

Born: 1966-1976
Coming of Age: 1988-1994
Age in 2004: 28 to 38
Current Population: 41 million

Sometimes referred to as the “lost” generation, this was the first

generation of “latchkey” kids, exposed to lots of daycare and divorce. Known
as the generation with the lowest voting participation rate of any generation,
Gen Xers were quoted by Newsweek as “the generation that dropped out without
ever turning on the news or tuning in to the social issues around them.”

Gen X is often characterized by high levels of skepticism, “what’s in it for

me” attitudes and a reputation for some of the worst music to ever gain
popularity. Now, moving into adulthood William Morrow (Generations) cited the
childhood divorce of many Gen Xers as “one of the most decisive experiences
influencing how Gen Xers will shape their own families”.

Gen Xers are arguably the best educated generation with 29% obtaining a
bachelor’s degree or higher (6% higher than the previous cohort). And, with
that education and a growing maturity they are starting to form families with a
higher level of caution and pragmatism than their parents demonstrated. Concerns
run high over avoiding broken homes, kids growing up without a parent around and
financial planning.

Generation Y, Echo Boomers or Millenniums

Born: 1977-1994
Coming of Age: 1998-2006
Age in 2004: 10 to 22
Current Population: 71 million

The largest cohort since the Baby Boomers, their high numbers reflect their
births as that of their parent generation. The last of the Boomer Is and most of
the Boomer II s. Gen Y kids are known as incredibly sophisticated, technology
wise, immune to most traditional marketing and sales pitches…as they not only
grew up with it all, they’ve seen it all and been exposed to it all since
early childhood.

Gen Y members are much more racially and ethnically diverse and they are much
more segmented as an audience aided by the rapid expansion in Cable TV channels,
satellite radio, the Internet, e-zines, etc.

Gen Y are less brand loyal and the speed of the Internet has led the cohort to
be similarly flexible and changing in its fashion, style consciousness and where
and how it is communicated with.

Gen Y kids often raised in dual income or single parent families have been more
involved in family purchases…everything from groceries to new cars. One in
nine Gen Yers has a credit card co-signed by a parent.

Generation Z

Born: 1995-2012
Coming of Age: 2013-2020
Age in 2004: 0-9
Current Population: 23 million and growing rapidly

While we don’t know much about Gen Z yet…we know a lot about the environment
they are growing up in. This highly diverse environment will make the grade
schools of the next generation the most diverse ever. Higher levels of
technology will make significant inroads in academics allowing for customized
instruction, data mining of student histories to enable pinpoint diagnostics and
remediation or accelerated achievement opportunities.

Gen Z kids will grow up with a highly sophisticated media and computer
environment and will be more Internet savvy and expert than their Gen Y
forerunners. More to come on Gen Z…stay tuned.

The Generations
Which Generation are You?
By Michael T. Robinson
Founder and Career Coach
CareerPlanner.com

See our new article: Millenials, The Mystery Generation

These are Western Cultural Generations. Japan and Asia and portions of
Europe will have their own generational definitions based on major cultural,
political, and economic influences.
Births Births Youngest Oldest Age
Generation Name
Start End Age Today* Today*

The Lost Generation -

1890 1915 103 128
The Generation of 1914

The Interbellum Generation 1901 1913 105 117

The Greatest Generation 1910 1924 94 108

The Silent Generation 1925 1945 73 93 (*if still alive
today)

Baby Boomer Generation 1946 1964 54 72Note:

Dates
Generation X (Baby Bust) 1965 1979 39 53 are
approxim
Xennials - 1975 1985 33 43
ate and
Generation Y - there is
The Millennials - 1980 1994 24 38 some
Gen Next overlap
because
iGen / Gen Z 1995 2012 6 23 there are
no
Gen Alpha 2013 2025 1 5
standard
definition
s for when a generation begins and ends. See the section below about why
this overlap.
Note: Sources for our data are listed at bottom of page.

Click here to find the perfect career

Notes on Each of the Latest Cultural Generations

iGen / Gen Z: Born between 1995 and 2012

As of 2017 most of these folks are still too young to have made an impact.
However the older ones might be fighting our war in Afghanistan. The younger
ones are hopefully still in school and planning on careers and jobs that will
have strong demand and generate new opportunities.
I'm personally optimistic about the iGen'ers.
According to Jean Twenge PhD., author of "iGen, Why Today's Super-
Connected Kids are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy
....", iGens are different in these respects:
(Jean Twenge's writings on generations differs from others. She uses historical surveys and 1 on 1
interviews, rather than just theorizing and speculating. She is a serious researcher, and a professor
at San Diego University)

iGen'ers are:

 Much more tolerant of others - different cultures, sexual orientations,

races
 More cautious, less risk taking
 Less drinking and drug taking in high school
 Less likely to go to church
 More likely to think for themselves and not believe authority figures in
church or government
 Delaying having serious romantic relationships
 Less teen pregnancy
 Fewer run aways
 Delaying driving, and fewer teen driving accidents
 Less time spent in shopping malls
 Less likely to go out to see a movie
 More likely to use Instagram than Facebook

Whereas Millenials were raised to think they were special and that they could
become anything they dreamed of, and then after graduating they found that
Boomers had let millions of jobs slip out of the country, iGen'ers have seen
this, and are far more cautious and less optimistic and maybe less naive.
Our free personality test will help you understand what careers are a better
match for you. It will also show you how to understand people better.

On the potentially negative side, iGens are known for:

 Less "in person" and "face to face" contact with others due to more time
connecting via smart phones
 Heavy use of gaming
 Less reading of books, and newspapers
 Grew up more supervised, more protected than prior generations
 Less experience with teen jobs and earning money in high school
 May stay up till 2 AM using smart phone and social media
 Possibly more depressed than prior generations
 Feels more lonely, and not needed
 Possibly a higher suicide rate