It looks like my grandsons are in the Zoomer zone, but they are only toddlers, so it's hard to say yet what they'll be like as they get older. But, this description doesn't sound too bad. I don't like the idea of them being tied to phones so early in life. I suppose that's the point of Howe saying they're monitored constantly 24/7 by all the digital technologies which exist today. I hope they still have creative imaginations!
They are certainly the most digital-fluent generation, I'm happy for them in that respect. But the rule-following depresses me. They are very much the product of a closed garden mentality, kind of like Apple software. The few times I've run into them I think we understand each other socially: I think they are the one generation that doesn't hold millennials in contempt in the macro sense. But in terms of worldview, I don't think I understand them. Maybe if some of the novels I write become popular and a lot of Zoomers buy them (assuming enough of them break free of TikTok so as to read books in the first place) I'll figure out if I'm right or wrong.
Yeah, it's very early, we'll learn more and more about them year by year. But the over-protectiveness the cocoons they've been raised in, will certainly shape them for the rest of their lives.
What an interesting subject. Whilst every human is an individual, it is reasonable to expect each cohort to be affected by the times into which they are born, and for them to share common experiences and responses. I sense in today's Western culture an antagonism between the cohorts. It seems to me that there is a more family oriented, integrated approach to society in other cultures. In some cultures age is given great respect, whereas in others youth is worshipped. There are many ways of organising ourselves. A fascinating subject. I'm looking forward to the other three articles!
Yes, important point about us being individuals. There are patterns, and the generational lens is one lens through which to see what's happening. Good point about youth and age in different societies, too. Thanks, Jules.
From the little bit of interaction that I have with the next generation, the "Zoomers", I would say that this characterization is incredibly spot on. I grew up in the early 90's, we still had a bit of that "Generation X" wildness and rock-music rebellion, which I see none of in the next generation of Zoomers.
I can remember a time before the internet and dialup, when we still played outside. I definitely agree that there will be some incredible progress made by the Zoomers, for an entirely new world. A tech world.
Considering I am someone that values independent thought, personal liberty, and free speech, I can see how those qualities will be at odds with the future generation who care more about "fitting in".
But one thing I know is that I will continue to get older, more and more side lined, as the next generation continues consistently (and then exponentially) growing their power and influence in this world.
It looks like my grandsons are in the Zoomer zone, but they are only toddlers, so it's hard to say yet what they'll be like as they get older. But, this description doesn't sound too bad. I don't like the idea of them being tied to phones so early in life. I suppose that's the point of Howe saying they're monitored constantly 24/7 by all the digital technologies which exist today. I hope they still have creative imaginations!
Definitely, Kim!
They are certainly the most digital-fluent generation, I'm happy for them in that respect. But the rule-following depresses me. They are very much the product of a closed garden mentality, kind of like Apple software. The few times I've run into them I think we understand each other socially: I think they are the one generation that doesn't hold millennials in contempt in the macro sense. But in terms of worldview, I don't think I understand them. Maybe if some of the novels I write become popular and a lot of Zoomers buy them (assuming enough of them break free of TikTok so as to read books in the first place) I'll figure out if I'm right or wrong.
Yeah, it's very early, we'll learn more and more about them year by year. But the over-protectiveness the cocoons they've been raised in, will certainly shape them for the rest of their lives.
What an interesting subject. Whilst every human is an individual, it is reasonable to expect each cohort to be affected by the times into which they are born, and for them to share common experiences and responses. I sense in today's Western culture an antagonism between the cohorts. It seems to me that there is a more family oriented, integrated approach to society in other cultures. In some cultures age is given great respect, whereas in others youth is worshipped. There are many ways of organising ourselves. A fascinating subject. I'm looking forward to the other three articles!
Yes, important point about us being individuals. There are patterns, and the generational lens is one lens through which to see what's happening. Good point about youth and age in different societies, too. Thanks, Jules.
From the little bit of interaction that I have with the next generation, the "Zoomers", I would say that this characterization is incredibly spot on. I grew up in the early 90's, we still had a bit of that "Generation X" wildness and rock-music rebellion, which I see none of in the next generation of Zoomers.
I can remember a time before the internet and dialup, when we still played outside. I definitely agree that there will be some incredible progress made by the Zoomers, for an entirely new world. A tech world.
Considering I am someone that values independent thought, personal liberty, and free speech, I can see how those qualities will be at odds with the future generation who care more about "fitting in".
But one thing I know is that I will continue to get older, more and more side lined, as the next generation continues consistently (and then exponentially) growing their power and influence in this world.
Excellent points, Joaquin.