Some of you may be wondering; what exactly is Generation Y? Generation Y, also known as Generation Next, Echo Boomers, and the Net Generation are those born roughly between the years of 1982 and 1995. As of 2011, this is the generation of young adults currently launching into the workforce and preparing to become successors of this planet.
As a Millennial, myself, I can attest that members of this generation often compare themselves to their predecessors (Generation X) and their own successors (Generation Z). Having often contemplated Ys’ place in society, I feel that this generation, my generation, has the upper hand on the other dominant generations that have been established.
The main idea that comes to mind when comparing Xs, Ys, and Zs is that of technology. While many Generation X members were born before or right at the dawn of the technology age, their adaptation to our technology-reliant world has been more of a struggle than anything. The Xs were set in their ways as the internet and various other technological advances seemingly took over the world.
The exact opposite can be said for members of Generation Z, who have known nothing but technology since their youth. While technology was still making leaps and bounds in the early 1990s, by the time these Zs were old enough to understand it, technology had become a daily operation in their lives. iPods, cell phones, and social networking websites were nothing but normal to them, causing the Zs to be more reliant than anyone on these trendy advances.
That leaves us with the Ys. This generation was born at the end of one era and grew up in the beginning of another. We remember a time without useless distractions such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and texting, but also adapted to these changes as we grew older and they more popular.
While Xs struggled to keep up with the advances in technology, and as Zs merely speculate what life must have been like without it, Ys can truly appreciate both ends of the spectrum and say with pride that they are a mixture of both generations. And as Generation Y takes its place at the forefront of adult life, entering the workforce and shaping our nation, it is clear that they have a true understanding of both their elders and those to come.
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