Q&A: Differences Between Younger and Older Gen Y’s

I haven’t seen any data that shows dramatic differences between these two ages groups.  Older Gen Y’s (those, say, 25-29) do have different technology use patterns—surveys have shown that they’re less likely to use social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace and less likely to send text messages than those under 25.  Anecdotal evidence would lead me to believe that the major difference with the youngest Y’s will be an intensifying use of those technologies.

The biggest inflection point—in fact so big that I believe it will mark the beginning of a new generation—comes with those around age 13 or 14 today.  Individuals this age and younger formed their conceptual models of how the world works over the past several years.  They’ve been heavily influenced by the recession, resource shortages, and concerns about the environment.  They’ve come of age doused with a cold bucket of reality.  I believe this age group will approach the world with an emphasis on renewal and conservation, and have suggested that we call them the “Re-Generation” or “Re-Gens,” for short.

Filed under: Comparisons Among the Generations | Published: 05/11/09