The 4 Most Popular Generations and Their Characteristics

Have you ever met a young person who you felt was too wise for their age? When they speak, you wonder, “Are you sure you were born in 1998?”

Or maybe you’ve seen an old person busting trendy dance moves on TikTok without a care in the world and a fear for their creaky joints. Both sets of people are always so interesting to see for a reason, they’re deviating from the norm and doing things other people in their generation can’t or wouldn’t do.

For most people in a generation, they have typical characteristics and behaviors that define them. Do you think you act like you’re from the right generation? Let’s find out!

Baby Boomers (1946-1964)  & Gen X (1965 – 1980)

The Baby Boomers are walking encyclopedias of history. 

Remember those awesome aunts and uncles you saw at family gatherings while growing up, who always had cool stories that could fill a library? Yeah, the Gen X and Baby Boomers. They are always wise and have a proverb or two to share. One of the really common ones would be:  “What elders can see sitting down, a tree climbing Gen Z cannot see.”

Gen X, born between groovy disco and shoulder pads (do you remember shoulder pads?), are the chill masters. 

They were the ones that really enjoyed Nigeria yet they always complained about how the state of the economy has really deteriorated.

Although they might appear laid back, they are independent and practical and always believe that their generation is better than ours (Don’t ask me which gen is ours).

Millennials (1981 – 1996)

Millennials also known as Generation Y (preceding Gen Zs and succeeding Gen X). They are mostly children of Baby boomers and a few of the older Gen X. They are also mostly the parents of Gen Alpha.

Being the first generation to grow up with the internet, millennials have been referred to as the first global generation. With a marked familiarity with the internet, mobile devices and social media, they were initially called “digital natives” as well.

Millennials have also been tagged to be an “unlucky generation” as they have been through a lot of shege. Since the start of their working lives, they’ve experienced significant economic disruption. From global economic recession to Covid-19 and another wave of recession as a fallout of the global pandemic.

Millennials grew up on early 1990’s pop culture, with references to Harry Potter, Friends, and the rise of boy bands. They’re still engaged with pop culture, but their tastes may lean towards streaming services, podcasts, and niche online communities.

Gen Zs (1997 – 2012)

Gen Zs and Millennials are two of the most talked about generations in recent times, and it’s no wonder how they continually make the news.

These lollipop-licking and bubble gum-chewing generations are often compared against each other, with many people focusing on their differences

However, both generations share similarities in their views on technology, work-life balance, education, political views, travel, entrepreneurship, work ethic, communication, etc.

For instance, both generations are mostly techies who expect work processes to be digitized as much as possible. They also prioritize contributing to the greater good and expect employers to communicate with them. Additionally, both generations are on track to be the most well-educated generations yet.

Gen Zs are the kings and queens of memes, virality, and niche internet humor. Their pop culture references are steeped in TikTok trends, anime, and online gaming communities. They know every lyric of the latest viral song, the references to obscure memes, and stay up-to-date on the latest online trends.

Generation Alpha (2013-2025)

Have you ever heard the term: “Covid babies?” Well, the babies born in the Alpha Gen are super duper active, with an inbuilt ability to be tech savvy because how else can you explain a 9-month-old baby swiping pictures on his mom’s phone.

They are very assertive and they usually like to say the word “NO” a lot and guess what, they mean it. They hate to take their syrups and would even walk on their head just to prove a point. 

Everything belongs to them including you. Gen Alpha are the Alpha in the house….lol. They will boss you and even connive with the house pet to steal snacks. They make great memes and they are such cuties though.

While it is important to know the generation you belong to, it is even more important to give yourself the permission to live fully, not minding the general expectations/ limitations that are peculiar to your generation.

Live without limits! Who knows, you might just surprise yourself with your hidden Gen Z or millennial potential!

Now, excuse me while I go learn what “rizz” means.

In the meantime, interesting conversations are ongoing on Fusion across different communities, interests, and locations. Join Fusion, and be a part of it.

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