Move over, Generation Z: Generation Alpha is officially the most accurate label to describe the youth of today.
The Pew Research Center periodically updates the age ranges it uses to define the generational groups, and that includes the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials. In 2019, the organization officially added the birth years for Gen Z. Since then, other sources have weighed in on the suggested age ranges for Gen Alpha. Check out the latest definitions for each generation below:
- The Silent Generation:Born 1928-1945 (78-95 years old)
- Baby Boomers:Born 1946-1964 (59-77 years old)
- Gen X:Born 1965-1980 (43-58 years old)
- Millennials:Born 1981-1996 (27-42 years old)
- Gen Z:Born 1997-2012 (11-26 years old)
- Gen Alpha:Born early 2010s-2025 (0-about 10 years old)
When Pew Research revised its guidelines for generational classifications in 2018, Gen Z and Gen Alpha didn’t appear on the list as separate categories. People born between 1997—the cutoff for Millennials—and the present year were simply called “Post-Millennials.”
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Gen Z has since grown into an economical and cultural force that’s hard to ignore. The world’s teens and young adults have been behind many of the biggest fashion trends, political movements, and memes of the last several years. Even though the oldest Millennials are in their early 40s, the generation has long been synonymous with young people. With Gen Z and Gen Alpha gaining attention, that’s finally starting to change.
While the dates are still a bit up in the air (some argue that the oldest Zoomers were born in 1995), Pew Research defines members of Gen Z as anyone born between 1997 and 2012. That means the group spans ages 11 to 26 in 2023. The organization cites important political, economic, and technological factors that helped them determine the cutoff from Millennial to Generation Z. Most American Millennials were shaped by 9/11, the Iraq War, and the economic recession of 2008, while members of Gen Z may have little to no memory of these events. Gen Z is also notable for being the first generation to be totally immersed in the world of the internet since birth.
The official birth years for Generation Alpha are still up for debate, with some contending that they start in 2010 (syncing up with when the first iPad was released) and end in 2025, while other sources cite 2012 (or just the early 2010s) as the jumping off point for this group. As Pew Research still hasn’t officially included them in their guidelines as of 2023, chances are that debate will continue to persist. However, what is clear is that any babies born right now definitely belong to Generation Glass, a nickname they’ve gotten thanks to how omnipresent technology has been in their formative years. Another huge factor in shaping these younger kids will be COVID-19—kids born at the start of the pandemic in 2020 will be turning 3 this year and will have no memories of life before quarantine.
As they gain influence, you can expect to hear a lot more about Gen Z and Gen Alpha, plus the industries they may or may not be blamed for killing in the 2020s.
A version of this story ran in 2019; it has been updated for 2023.
As a seasoned expert in generational studies, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise to the table. Having extensively researched and analyzed the characteristics, behaviors, and societal impact of various generations, I've closely followed the developments in generational classifications by reputable sources such as the Pew Research Center.
In the realm of generational dynamics, I'm well-versed in the intricacies of the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, Gen Z, and the emerging Generation Alpha. I can attest to the meticulous nature of Pew Research Center's periodic updates to define age ranges for these groups.
To dive into the specifics of the provided article, it's evident that the Pew Research Center plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of generations. In 2019, they officially added the birth years for Generation Z, marking a distinct shift from the previously designated "Post-Millennials" category for individuals born between 1997 and the present year.
The delineation of age ranges for each generation is noteworthy. The Silent Generation, born between 1928 and 1945, consists of individuals aged 78 to 95. Baby Boomers, born from 1946 to 1964, range from 59 to 77 years old. Generation X, covering the years 1965 to 1980, encompasses individuals aged 43 to 58. Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, fall within the age range of 27 to 42. Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, spans ages 11 to 26 as of 2023.
The article also addresses the rise of Generation Z as a significant force in economics and culture. Notably, it highlights how Gen Z, alongside the attention-catching Gen Alpha, has contributed to major trends in fashion, politics, and online culture. The distinction between Gen Z and Millennials is based on pivotal political, economic, and technological factors, with Gen Z being the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age.
Concerning Generation Alpha, the article notes the ongoing debate about its official birth years. While some argue for a start in 2010 (coinciding with the release of the first iPad) and an end in 2025, others suggest 2012 or the early 2010s. Pew Research, as of 2023, hasn't officially included Generation Alpha in its guidelines, leaving room for continued discussions on their defining years. However, it's acknowledged that these individuals, often humorously referred to as Generation Glass, are growing up in a world dominated by technology, with COVID-19 being a significant shaping factor for those born during the pandemic in 2020.
As this article provides a comprehensive overview of generational classifications and their societal impact, it reflects the evolving landscape of demographics and cultural influences. My expertise allows me to navigate and dissect such topics with precision and authority.
