Generation gaps shrinking, thanks to technologies

By Dick Pelletier

      

     Being connected is becoming the norm for people of all ages in today's high-tech world. According to Pew Research, 4.6 billion now carry cell phones and 1.7 billion browse the Internet. By 2020, mobile phone use is predicted to reach 6 billion and 4.7 billion will access the web, primarily through their phone.

    In addition, thanks to social networks and email, the size and diversity of relationships is also growing. Friend groups now include acquaintances beyond the traditional family, friends, and work colleagues to include friends of fiends, online acquaintances, and anonymous members of like interest groups.

    Although younger generations may adapt to new technologies quicker than older people do, the upper age limit of the digitally literate is rising. Seniors in their 60s, 70s; even 80s now spend two to three hours online each week, and this figure is expected to double or triple by 2020. Though slowly fading, there is still much disparity between age groups. The following list compiled from Generations: the History of America's Future by Neil Howe and William Strauss and Wikipedia, describes our eight living generations:

    Lost Generation, 1883-1900 – This proud group whose members once ruled the world has dwindled, as of this writing, to just 84 females and 5 males, all "Super-Centenarians," ages 110 to 114. Notable Lost members include Dwight Eisenhower, Babe Ruth, Humphrey Bogart, J. Edgar Hoover, and Al Capone.

    Greatest Generation, 1901-1924 – Tom Brokaw describes this group as “the greatest generation society has ever produced." He said these men and women fought wars not for fame and recognition, but because it was the right thing to do. Most are Nonagenarians now, but many are Centenarians. Famous Greats include Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra, Walt Disney, Marlene Dietrich, and Betty White.

    Silent Generation, 1925-1945 – This bunch grew up as children of war and depression. We were too early to be free spirits and too late to be war heroes (although yours truly, a Silent-Gen member, helped fight the Korean War to a tie). Many of us became risk-averse techies, entrepreneurs, rock-n-rollers, and civil rights advocates in an era where conformity seemed a sure ticket to success. Well-known Silents include Marilyn Monroe, Carl Sagan, Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Clint Eastwood, and Regis Philbin.

    Baby Boomers, 1946-1964 – Born after World War II, these carefree souls lived through both good and bad times and participated in the 1960s counterculture. Comprising 40% of the U.S. population today, this group is just now beginning to draw Social Security. Celebs include Dustin Hoffman, Goldie Hahn, Bill Murray, Cybill Shepherd, Sean Penn, Daryl Hannah, Hugh Grant, and Ron Howard.

    Generation X, 1965-1980 – Mostly children of Boomers and Silents, these rebels grew up with video games and MTV. Today, their ages range from early 30s to mid-40s. Famous Gen-Xers include Julia Roberts, Jennifer Anniston, Tiger Woods, Kirk Cameron, Matt Damon, and Reese Witherspoon.

    Generation Y, or Millennial, 1981-1995 – Born into a computer-dominated world, these "electronic smarties" have carried cell phones since age six, and are more Internet-savvy than their parents. Loaded with talent and ambition, famous Millennials include, Emma Watson, Kristen Stewart, Selena Gomez, Paris Hilton, Dakota Fanning, Britney Spears, the Olsen twins, and Myley Cyrus.

    Generation Z, or Zog, 1996-2009 – This group will face the Iraq and Afghanistan wars aftermath, rising world secularism, and the greatest revolution predicted for human history; the end of aging. These 'tweens' love Harry Potter movies, Justin Bieber, and the Jonas Brothers. They browse Disney.go.com, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook, and unlike Millennials, they embrace technology with their parents.

    As Generation Z enters the workforce over the next decade, the manner in which they perform at work and play will revolutionize retail, travel, healthcare, and communications. Flexing this economic power, Zog entrepreneurs could develop businesses that dwarf successes like Microsoft, Google, and FaceBook.

    Generation A, or Alpha, 2010-2025 – the first group with all members born in the 21st century will be the most materially supplied generation ever, say social experts. These 'Google' kids will be shaped in a world of consumerism that includes Star Trek Holodeck-like fantasies and other futuristic wonders.

    Here's my question, can all these radically different generations work together to steer us through the coming decades into a better future? Most forward-thinkers believe that with technology's help, they will.

This article appeared in various print publications and on-line blogs. Comments always welcome.