Difference between Millennials and Generation Z

Millennials and Generation Z are two different generations. The difference is marked based on birth years and different technological advancements, cultural and social contexts based on the period. Do these differences have an impact on the lifestyle and other socio-cultural factors? Each generation has its specific timeline of birth, which separates them from the previous and next generation. Millennials and Gen Z are the generations that are most often seen at conflict while having the most in common. What makes the two generations different, along with certain common grounds? 

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What do ‘Millennial’ and ‘Gen Z’ mean? 

A person is considered a millennial if they were born between the timeline 1981-1996, whereas Gen Z is born 1997-2012. On a factual basis, this is considered the clear demarcation between the two. But the differences between the two generations are felt more on a socio-cultural level, in the way the two generations interact, their approach to topics related to finance, work, or their perspective regarding social issues about mental health or gender identity, etc. 

Key Differences Between Millennials and Gen Z 

Let us discuss some of the major core differences between the two generations in detail.

1. Technology and the Digital Age 

Millennials experienced a transitional phase of the advancement in technology. They experienced exposure to social media or even smartphones well into their late teen years or as adults. They grew up with desktop computers, landline phones, or communication through email. 

Gen Z pretty much grew up when technology was booming into a massive success. They grew up with fast internet well into their teenage years, by then smartphones were common, and social media apps like Facebook and Twitter were a major form of communication.

2. Education and Career

Millennials grew up with traditional methods of rote learning, where subjects were taught solely based on theoretical knowledge. Even in the case of practical knowledge, it was limited to physical demonstrations as per the capability of the educational organizations. There were fewer subjects and, in turn, fewer career options to stick to. 

Gen Z has grown up in an environment where they are the first ones to be taught about technology and digital platforms in the most elaborate ways possible. They receive education through online platforms where they do not have to physically attend classes. The career options are far more diverse, where there are endless possibilities to choose from, but at the cost of high competition.

3. Consumer Behaviour 

Millennials had to physically go to a shop in order to purchase things in any category. They witnessed the evolution of online shopping, but along with the risks of overconsumption or going beyond means. They are more varied before making many purchases compared to Gen Z. 

Gen Z has experienced the concept of instant gratification to the fullest. Right from food, clothes, shoes, appliances, anything you name, can be delivered to your doorstep in minutes. This, in turn, reduces the awareness about sustainability, where hoarding or overconsumption can turn into signs of success or peer pressure. 

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