The silent generation

Mark McCrindle observes that every generation is distinct in characteristics. The Millienium or Generation Z is defined by three factors: age and life state (ontological factors), times and technology (sociological factors) and events and experiences (historical factors).

Several common traits of Generation Z include:

• Those born between 1992 and 2011


• Two income earning parents and smaller families


• Growing up in a world that is all about connecting through technology


• Friendship are quantifiable by Facebook and they search for answers through Google


• Smarter, tech savier and great multi-taskers


• More self directed and indiviualistic


• Demand that they are taken seriously

This is the generation that is over-stimulated, over-exposed and over-informed by technology. If Gen Z wants to know anything about spirituality, they can do so with a click. Gen Z is also called the new silent generation. Most of their conversations take place through Smses and social network portals. We do not hear their voice yet they are texting to be heard. We can heard their uncensored views an raw emotions on Facebook, Twitter and personal blogs. They can endorse opinions with a simple "Like" button on Facebook and bring either scrutiny or praise at incredible speed.

Gen Z can have 500-2000 friends on Facebook but severely lack the interpersonal skills necessary for close friendships. They are highly individualistic, self-directe and opinionated. Interestly, Gen Z are parented by Gen X who load them with many ex-cirriculums and the introduction of gadgets at a young age conditioned them to be great mutli-taskers capable of coping with a high volume of tasks. Gen Z are revoluntionaries who dream about doing somehing to change their world. However, they do not necessarily know what something is or where to start.

It is not easy to understand this generation and it is very challenging to build bridges to connect with them in the real world.