Zillennials: A Mix of Gen Z and Millennials; Why Are Generations Labeled?

Several people may identify themselves as being both millennials and Gen Z. Now, the microgeneration between millennials and Gen Z is now referred to as "zillennial."

Zillennials

According to the New York Post, millennials, or Generation Y, were born between 1981 and 1996. Gen Zers, on the other hand, were born between 1997 and 2012.

However, some emerging adults find these year markers too restrained. Some may feel they do not fully align with either generation and think they are a mix of both. This is how the microgeneration "zillennial" was birthed.

Deborah Carr, the director of the Center for Innovation in Social Science at Boston University and a sociology professor, explains that zillennials cover those born between the early 1990s and early 2000s, as reported by CNN. They are a mix of both millennials and Gen Z. However, zillennials do not have a concrete cutoff point.

Carr explains that throughout their short lives, this microgeneration has already gone through much adversity. Zillennials were children and babies when 9/11 hit. They are unfamiliar with life preceding grave terrorist attacks, serious threats, and airport screenings for security. They also went through college at the height of the pandemic and did not experience several vital social markers.

Why Are Generations Labeled?

CNN explains that when defining specific generations, exposure and use of technology are powerful delineators. Zillennials, specifically, straddle both Gen Z, who are considered digital natives, and millennials, who are known to be the pioneers of digitalization.

However, there are also other delineating factors beyond technology. Carr explains that members of a specific birth cohort or generation have everyday vital life experiences.

For instance, Gen Z went through high school during the COVID-19 pandemic and missed out on vital youth milestones, such as the traditional graduation or prom.

The Conversation reports, however, that the use of generation labels is not universal, according to a study. CNN also notes that Jason Dorsey, the president of a generational research firm, the Center for Generational Kinetics, and a generational researcher, explains that some generations reject the labels while others embrace such identifications as they feel suit them their differences or values.

Another study also suggests that the use of generational labels helps people make sense of their place in a world and society that is rapidly changing. This was inferred through the study, as researchers discovered that several people saw intergenerational differences, noted various tensions linked to such variations, and were able to come up with strategies to handle such tensions.

The Conversation adds that while generational labels do not entirely explain individual differences, they are still meaningful to people. They shape perceptions regarding the roles of older and younger people in society.

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