What defines these young generations?

Generation Y :: Snapshot

Born: 1980 - 1996

Coming of Age: Current

Current Population: Over 75 million people - making them 3x the size of Generation X

• Life experiences are more important than saving their money

• Spend over $150 billion/year (primarily on clothes, food and technology)

• Influences over $50 billion/year in family purchases

• The computer is the most important product and is often a status symbol with Generation Y

• All technology is at their forefront.  They not only own a variety of consumer electronics but know how to use them better than most Gen Xers

• Communicate through text messaging, social media sites and instant messaging on a daily basis

• Reality TV has transformed what they watch on television - millions tune in for American Idol and The Hills weekly

• Gen Y turns to their friends for advice on life, products and services

• Personal experiences and customization: they want products to be suited specifically to their needs

 

Generation Z :: Snapshot

Born: 1997-2012

Coming of Age: 2013-2020

Current Population: 23 million and growing rapidly

The Most...

• Diverse generation ever

• Highly sophisticated media/Internet generation to date

• Education generation - with more opportunities for customized learning than ever before translates to more degrees, diplomas, & certificates than preceding generations

 

Generation Y :: Blog Series

From spending habits to relationships to brand preferences and even the great  Leno vs. Conan debate - as youth marketers, nothing is more important than knowing and understanding the audience we are charged with reaching for our clients. READ MORE...

Click on the postings below to view the whole article.

Week 1: February 12, 2010

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

The glass is half full

Life is here for the taking. The most pampered generation, Gen Y believes the world revolves around them. They are empowered to move around or influence systems that aren't meeting their needs. READ MORE...

 

 

 

 

 

Week 2: February 19, 2010

We're All In This Together

Gen Y Believes in Community

It's all for one and one for all. Not only is working together more fun, interactive, and social, but more can be accomplished as a team. READ MORE...

 

 

 

 

 

Week 3: February 26, 2010

Rockin' In The FREE World

If you search hard enough, anything can be free.

Gen Y will not invest unless they are certain they are getting the best deal. They are savvy, confident and empowered consumers. READ MORE...

 

 

 

 

Week 4: March 9, 2010

Got To Be Real

Gen Y craves the truth.

Authentic messaging is key to reaching the cynical Gen Yers. They want to be a part of something. Though not the most brand loyal consumers, they will stick around if you listen and learn from them. READ MORE...

 

 

 

 

Week 5: March 17, 2010

We Are Family

The "Peerenting" of Gen Y

The line blurs between friends and family. Parents of Gen Y are treating their kids as peers and now, more than ever, kids have an active role in household decisions. READ MORE...

 

 

 

 

Week 6: March 23, 2010

Change The World

The most civic-minded generation.

Gen Y believes they can make a difference in the world. They volunteer at a level and intensity unseen since the 1940's. READ MORE...

 

 

 

 

Week 7: April 1, 2010

Technology

Fundamental to Gen Y's existence

Born wired, technology is a third hand and second brain to Gen Y. Tech gadgets determine social rank. This is the first generation that can actually measure their popularity. READ MORE...

 

 

 

 

 

Week 8: April 8, 2010

One Love

Gen Y more liberal

One in three Gen Yers are members of a minority group. They accept an celebrate diversity of race, religion and sexual orientation. This "melting pot" has expanded the knowledge and tastes of Gen Y. READ MORE...

 

 

Week 9: April 13, 2010

Right Here, Right Now!

Parents and society fuel entitlement.

Born into a culture where they can have anything they want, when they want it has made Gen Y accustomed to instant gratification. From surfing the web to losing weight, they want immediate results. READ MORE...

 

 

Week 10: April 22, 2010

Tell Me Something I Don't Know.

I'm just as good as you.

Since Gen Y is treated as equals at home, they treat their elders and even their employers as equals too. They are very independent and not afraid to challenge the status-quo. READ MORE...