OLD AND NEW: THE GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES

There has been a generation gap since the beginning of time. It is said that a member of the new generation, (Generation Z) that lives in Japan has more in common with a person of the same age in America than they do with their own parents. Generation Z is the generation spanning from 1995 to 2015. Members of older generations are typically quite different than this new generation, so here are a few examples of just how different they are.

I. Each generation is usually convinced about their ideas as ultimate and ideal. They ignore certain vital factors that are no longer valid in modern days. However, every generation has their own interesting qualities and contributions to the world. Although it is the common belief that the older generations teach the younger ones, the older generations also have a lot to learn from the youth of today. Especially when technology and new business models are considered, some elders need to learn from the new generation to stay connected to the changing world.

II. In recent years, there have been many political, cultural and social changes that affect day to day life. Generation Z is open to these changes, but older generations have been quite upset by them. It is also important, on a more personal level, to accept other’s situations. It may not be something you agree with or how you would live your life, but accepting another’s life and their decisions with less judgement and more love is important.

III. Like their parents, for this new generation education is also important but they have different views on how to get it. Unlike their parents, it’s important for them to get it for the least-amount of money possible. Their generation focuses on receiving scholarships for sports and grades, and saving money from jobs to help pay off the loans, books, housing, etc. They have become a thrifty generation after learning from their parents’ issues, like the economic recession.

IV. This new generation can easily be described as a technology-centered one. For most of their lives they have had the answers to everything right at their fingertips. Older generations are not as used to the new tech, and often refuse to use it in their lives. However, technology is so valuable because it speeds up most processes and has provided wonderful solutions. It can be complicated and hard to get used to, but for the most part it has done great things for this world, and no one should have to be afraid of using it; even if it takes your whole life to get used to.

V. The new generation is more willing to give to those who are in need instead of keep that money for themselves. It is often that you find us listening to those who support animal rights, donating to food banks, or giving the man on the side of the road an extra dollar or a meal. It means a lot to most of us to give more than you receive.