This is a huge subject so the focus is on the last three. We had a good discussion on how much life has changed since we were born.
Members of Generation Z, or Gen Z grew up in the era of the iPhone, which debuted in 2007.
In their early years they witnessed watershed social changes, such as the election of the first Black U.S. president (Barack Obama) and the legalization of same-sex marriage.
Generation Z are more likely than previous generations to have at least one foreign-born parent.
They have grown up in more diverse settings than did previous generations and have higher percentages of single-parent families, mixed-race families, and LGBTQ+ parents in legally recognized partnerships.
They are more likely to reside in cities and metropolitan areas, only 13 percent growing up in rural areas, and Gen Z are less likely to move than those of previous generations were at the same age. Research in 2018 showed that the oldest members of Gen Z were delaying or perhaps even foregoing marriage, only 4 percent getting married between the ages of 18 and 21—nearly half as many as in the millennial generation, of which 7 percent got married at a young age. This may be partly because more of them are going to college and societal change toward women leading a more independent life style.
Their educational experience is mostly delivered through technology such as Interactive white boards.
Gen Z are nostalgic for vintage fashion and hobbies such as knitting, baking and bird watching.
They are active in politics and protests where society seems unfair. They follow Greta Thunberg and care about the environment and climate change.
Generation Alpha. The first generation to be born entirely in the 21st Century with Tablets; Smartphones and A I present since infancy. It is not unusual to see a ‘baby’ looking at a phone or a tablet which has handles they can hold. They will also be used to a voice responding to information know as ‘Siri’. They have information at their fingertips 24/7. They are aware of home deliveries of adults shopping online. They might experience hot food arriving at their door by ‘Deliveroo’. They may have heard of drones being used to deliver goods. They fly to many countries on holiday and they are used to very modern facilities.
They might be aware of the use of robots in industry and medicine but certainly as characters in films and fiction. They watch films which are highly stylised and graphic.
The world around them is fast paced but fortunately they still play as many children did in the past: climb trees; enjoy outdoor play areas and adventurous challenges: swim: cycle; build dens and enjoy table top games. There is much concern now of how they are affected by social media and their growing dependence on A.I to provide solutions.
Generation Beta. The adults of the future are going to be immersed in all of the above and hopefully enjoy a free and natural childhood. However life is becoming more complex as digital and physical worlds blend together into virtual environments, smart systems and the ever more sophisticated use of technology.
They will grow up to face the challenges of climate change and will be encouraged to be aware of eco friendly options; renewable energy and to solve international problems and issues of tension.
Their cultural experience will be more diverse and inclusive with hopefully more collaborative problem solving.