A basic definition of Generation Z refers to people who were born in 1995 and after. However, the boundary between the Millennials and the Generation Z is blurred for those who were born in the years surrounding 1995. In other words, the people who were born around this period might share some traits from both the Millennials and the Generation Z. I was born in 1997, and I found my generation to be a fusion of traits from both. It raises my interest that I want to know the key difference between the Millennials and the Generation Z. Furthermore, it is also important for a business to know the difference to shift marketing, adjust leadership, and recruit new blood.
Being exposed to digital media at an early age, Generation Z lives in a continuously updating world. It allows Generation Z to digest information quickly. An example would be Snapchat or a short Vine video. Generation Z can tell the information in a short time. However, it also makes them less focused in comparison to Millennials in that their attention on one thing won’t last as long. At the same time, Generation Z is good at multi-tasking. Just imagine that a student is doing his homework online with a cellphone on the side to check Facebook while skyping with his friend. You get the picture. Generation Z can quickly shift between work and play, with multiple distractions going on at the same time.
What’s more, Generation Z is more self-driven. According to a study done by the advertising agency, Deep Focus, it was found that Generation Z is more likely to have worked on learning a skill than the Millennials at their age. Furthermore, the Generation Z is also more entrepreneurial. 62 percent of the Generation Z respondents of the study said that they would prefer to establish their own company or business rather than working in an existing company.
Still, it is easy to treat the Generation Z and the Millennials the same in the market due to an abundance of similarities between these two generations. However, we still need to pay attention to the unique characteristics that differs the Generation Z from the Millennials. Generation Z grew up with the technology and it is probably hard to live without the devices. A big difference that I think would make a significant impact is Generation Z’s affinity for technology. For instance, if Generation Z is constantly on their phones or devices instead of watching TV, we may experience a major shift in advertising methods and marketing strategies.
Work Cited:
Beall, G. (n.d.). 8 Key Differences between Gen Z and Millennials. Retrieved February 04, 2017, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/george-beall/8-key-differences-between_b_12814200.html
6 Differences Between Millennials and Generation Z | BeAuthentic. Retrieved February 04, 2017, from http://beauthentic.motivateroi.com/6-differences-between-millennials-and-generation-z/