Gen Z, or Generation Z, typically includes people born between 1997 and 2012, making them digital natives who grew up with the internet, succeeding Millennials and preceding Generation Alpha. As of early 2026, Gen Z members are roughly aged 14 to 29, though the exact end year is debated, with some sources suggesting slightly different cutoffs.
Millennials are generally born between 1981-1996, and Gen Z (or iGen/Zoomers) are born from 1997-2012, following the Pew Research Center's common definitions, placing Millennials just before Gen Z, both shaped by digital technology but with distinct experiences.
Gen Y: Gen Y, or Millennials, were born between 1981 and 1994/6. They are currently between 29 and 44 years old (around 74 million in the U.S.)
Generation Alpha's age range is generally considered to be from 2010 to 2024, though some sources vary slightly, placing the start as early as 2009 or 2011 and the end as 2025, making them the children of Millennials (Gen Y) and the younger siblings of Gen Z. As of early 2026, members of Gen Alpha range from infants to about 15 or 16 years old, and they are the first generation to grow up entirely in the 21st century, profoundly shaped by technology, the pandemic, and digital immersion.
Someone born in 2010 is generally considered the cusp between Generation Z (Gen Z) and Generation Alpha (Gen Alpha), with many sources placing them in Generation Alpha (2010-2024) as the first year of that cohort, while others see 2010 as the last year of Gen Z (1997-2010/2012). The primary difference lies in whether the generation ends in 2009/2010 or 2012, but most researchers agree Gen Alpha starts in 2010 or 2013.
Whilst boomers and millennials may use the 😂 emoji, this has long since been deemed 'uncool' (or 'cheugy') by Gen Z. Instead, this has been replaced by the skull (💀) or the crying emoji (😭), dramatising the idea of 'dying with laughter'.
Simply put, Generation Alpha are defined as those born from 2010-2024.
The generation consists of those born between 2025 and 2039. With the arrival of the new year, a new generation is officially on the horizon: Gen Beta.
People born in 2011 are generally considered the cusp between Gen Z and Gen Alpha, with many sources placing Gen Z ending in 2010 or 2012 and Gen Alpha beginning in 2010 or 2011, meaning 2011 individuals often share traits from both, growing up with early digital tech but witnessing the full rise of social media and AI that define Alpha culture. The slang associated with 2011 would likely lean towards later Gen Z trends (like Vine, MLG) and early Alpha terms (Skibidi, rizz), reflecting their transition period.
Economic instability and the introduction of AI have had implications for professional career choices and job opportunities. Moreover, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression have become more prevalent, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donald Trump is a Baby Boomer, born on June 14, 1946, making him one of the first in that generation, which typically spans 1946-1964; the Silent Generation precedes this, generally from 1925-1945, with President Joe Biden representing the latter. While Trump shares some traits with the broader Boomer demographic, his formative experiences as a wealthy individual diverged from many of his peers, though he later became a significant political figure for many in the generation.
While "Baby Boomers" (born 1946-1964) remains the standard, some newer terms distinguish sub-groups, like Generation Jones for later Boomers (mid-1950s to mid-1960s) who experienced economic challenges, contrasting with earlier Boomers often called Classic Boomers, but generally, there's no single widely adopted new overarching name, just refinements within the existing framework.
The four most commonly discussed generations today, moving from oldest to youngest, are Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1980), Millennials (Gen Y, 1981-1996), and Generation Z (1997-2012), with the newer Generation Alpha (2010s-mid-2020s) following Gen Z, all defined by distinct cultural and technological experiences shaping their values and behaviors.
They're called the Silent Generation (born roughly 1928-1945) because they were known for being conformist, hardworking, and cautious, often keeping quiet and working within the system rather than challenging it, a trait linked to growing up during the Great Depression, WWII, and the McCarthy era's anti-communist fears. A 1951 Time magazine article coined the term, contrasting them with their rebellious parents and noting their quiet demeanor.
And that means moving away from coddling and intimidation strategies, and instead carefully tailoring how they deliver their messages based on what they know their child is able to handle. Gen Z parents want to use less physical discipline and be less strict than their parents were with them.
The claim that Gen Z is aging faster than Millennials or other generations is a myth. There's no scientific evidence that their biological aging is accelerating. Instead, the idea is fueled by social media comparisons, cultural trends, lifestyle habits, and environmental stressors.
For Gen Z, the 😭 (Loudly Crying Face) emoji usually means something is overwhelmingly funny, cute, or heartwarming, signifying "crying with laughter" or being emotionally moved, rather than actual sadness, often replacing the older 😂 emoji for intense amusement. It's used for exaggerated, positive reactions to things like relatable humor, adorable pets, or touching moments.
Meaning: Gen Z uses “gas” to describe something cool, dope, or awesome. If you're “gassing” someone, it means you're hyping them up or giving support.
2010-2024), Generation Beta (b. 2025-2039), Generation Gamma (b. 2040-2054), Generation Delta (b. 2055- 2069), and so on.
Rising social inequality has also been described as forming the common thread of the protests around the world, ultimately feeling unrepresented by the political establishment while still respecting democratic values. Climate change has also contributed to some political activism from Generation Z.
More than half (52%) of Gen Z expect to retire before 65, with a comparable number from this generation (57%) believing they could live to be 100. Millennials also believe in their ability to live to 100 (49%), but a smaller number from this generation (40%) expect to retire before they reach 65.
No, Australia is not 90% white; while a large majority identify with European ancestry (around 76-80% in recent years), a significant and growing portion identifies as Asian, African, Middle Eastern, or Indigenous, making it a highly multicultural nation with diverse ethnic backgrounds, not overwhelmingly white. Recent census data shows European ancestry (English, Irish, etc.) makes up a large chunk, but Asian ancestries are also substantial, with over 17% Asian population and around 3.8% identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, per the 2021 census data from Wikipedia.
Members of the baby boomer generation were born between 1946 and 1964. Thus, those born in 1946 and still alive will be turning 80 this year. Among this group are celebrities such as Dolly Parton, Sylvester Stallone, Cher, and Steven Spielberg, as well as presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump.
The name "Generation Jones" has several connotations, including a large anonymous generation, a "keeping up with the Joneses" competitiveness, and, possibly the original slant, the slang word "jones" or "jonesing", meaning a yearning or craving.