As a Baby Boomer, I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years—from black-and-white TVs to smartphones, from rotary phones to video calls with grandkids. But sometimes, it feels like the world is moving faster than I can keep up! Every few years, there’s a new “generation” with its own slang, trends, and ways of thinking. It can be confusing, but understanding these differences helps bridge the gap between my experiences and those of my kids, grandkids, and even younger coworkers.
Generational labels—like Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and now Gen Alpha—aren’t just buzzwords. They reflect the cultural, technological, and economic shifts that shape how people see the world. Each generation grew up under different circumstances, which explains why younger folks might not understand my love for landlines, and why I sometimes scratch my head at TikTok trends.
So, let’s break it down in a way that makes sense from a Boomer’s perspective. Here’s a look at each generation, when they were born, and what makes them unique—without all the confusing jargon.
Baby Boomers (1946–1964): “We built the modern world.”
We’re the post-WWII generation, born during a time of optimism, economic growth, and big families. We remember the moon landing, the civil rights movement, and the birth of rock ‘n’ roll. Many of us worked long careers at the same company, believing in hard work and loyalty. We didn’t grow up with computers, but we adapted to them later in life. Some folks say we’re “traditional,” but we also pushed for social change in our youth—just like younger generations do today.
Generation X (1965–1980): “The overlooked middle child.”
Our kids (or maybe younger siblings) fall into this group. They grew up with more independence—remember “latchkey kids”?—because many had two working parents. They saw the rise of MTV, grunge music, and the early internet. They’re practical, skeptical of authority, and often the bridge between our analog world and today’s digital age.
Millennials (1981–1996): “Tech-savvy but struggling.”
Ah, the generation everyone loves to criticize! They came of age with the internet, social media, and the 2008 financial crisis. They value flexibility at work, care about social issues, and prefer experiences over owning stuff (hence all those tiny apartments and avocado toast jokes). They’re accused of being “entitled,” but they also face student debt and a tough job market—something we didn’t have to deal with as much.
Generation Z (1997–2012): “The smartphone natives.”
These are the grandkids (or kids) who’ve never known a world without Google or Instagram. They communicate in memes, care deeply about mental health, and are quick to call out injustice. They’re entrepreneurial but anxious—growing up with school shootings, climate fears, and pandemic lockdowns has shaped them in ways we can’t fully relate to.
Generation Alpha (2013–Present): “The iPad kids.”
The youngest generation, born to Millennial parents, is growing up with AI, voice assistants, and tablets in their hands before they can talk. It’s too early to say how they’ll turn out, but they’ll likely be the most tech-integrated generation yet.
Final Thoughts
Every generation has its strengths and challenges. We Boomers built institutions, Gen X kept things real, Millennials pushed for change, Gen Z demands authenticity, and Gen Alpha will redefine the future. Instead of dismissing younger generations as “too different,” maybe we can learn from them—just like they can learn from our experiences. After all, the world keeps turning, and every generation leaves its mark.
What do you think? Do you see these differences in your own family? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Susan Mcnabb
August 26, 2025 at 6:49 amI’m a baby boomer, loved this analysis, very well said!
I have lived a long fruitful life, worried about my grandchildren and great grandchildren and what the world will be like for them!