Which generation are you? Zillenials, millenials and Gen Z explained

Generation names are becoming increasingly confusing, with the latest cohort, Generation Beta, born from this year, and “zillennials” now emerging as a subgeneration bridging two groups.

Unbeknownst to them, Generations Alpha and Beta will inherit a deeply divided world. However, some members of the Silent and even Golden generations are still around, especially as populations (and presidents!) live longer.

Here’s your guide to who’s who.

What defines Generation Beta?

The arrival of Generation Beta marks the end of Generation Alpha, which includes those born between 2010 and 2024.

Social researcher and futurist Mark McCrindle, who coined the term “Generation Alpha”, predicted that Generation Beta will comprise 16 per cent of the global population by 2035. He also suggested that many will live to see the 22nd century.

He explained that he chose Gen Alpha and Gen Beta to signify a shift to the Greek alphabet. This represents a generational change — particularly regarding technological advancements and the world this new generation will grow up in.

Generation Beta will be the first to grow up in a world where artificial intelligence is fully embedded in daily life. They will also be raised by parents who have relied on technology as an integral part of their upbringing and parenting.

However, they will also inherit significant societal challenges.

“With climate change, global population shifts, and rapid urbanisation at the forefront, sustainability will not just be a preference but an expectation,” Mr McCrindle said. “This generation will be raised by millennial and older Gen Z parents, many of whom prioritise adaptability, equality, and eco-consciousness in their parenting.”

Billie Eilish is a famous member of Generation Z

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Gen Zers were born between 1997, when Tony Blair came to power in the UK, and 2012, when London hosted the Olympics. Many members of Gen Z are children of previous generations, such as Baby Boomers (born 1948 to 1964) or Generation X (born 1965 to 1980).

Unlike previous generations, Gen Z has grown up in a world where the internet is ever-present. Often referred to as “digital natives”, they have never experienced life without widespread access to digital technology. At the same time, they are coming of age in an era where physical and mental health are more widely understood and openly discussed.

Early studies suggest that Gen Z has lower rates of teen pregnancy and alcohol consumption compared with previous generations. They also tend to be better at delaying gratification and making more measured decisions than older cohorts.

However, despite these positive trends, Gen Z faces significant economic challenges. They are less likely to afford homeownership than their predecessors, with rising property prices and economic uncertainty creating barriers to financial independence.

Additionally, constant exposure to digital technology has been linked to positive and negative outcomes. While they are highly connected and tech-savvy, some studies suggest that the pressure to maintain an online presence can contribute to mental health struggles, particularly anxiety and depression.

Coined in 2008, Generation Alpha refers to children born from 2013 to 2024.

The Covid-19 pandemic could have the most significant impact on this generation’s development. Additionally, Gen Alpha may face the consequences of recent increases in screen time and obesity.

Selena Gomez is a millennial

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Millennials were born between 1981 and 1996, and their name reflects that many came of age around 2000. They are also known as Generation Y.

This generation has witnessed significant shifts in social values, and many have suggested their lives have become easier than those of previous generations. However, many millennials feel that their financial opportunities and job prospects are less promising.

Various reports suggest that millennials are worse off than their parents — an unprecedented trend in recent generational history.

Younger millennials in the UK also remember being the first to pay £9,000 a year in university tuition fees when the Tory-Lib Dem coalition raised the cost abruptly in 2012.

While previous generations have often swung to the political right as they age, millennials seem to be breaking that stereotype, with many maintaining liberal views.

Born in 1995, Timothee Chalamet is a Zillenial

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Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Harry Kane, Harry Styles, and Kylie Jenner are all famous figures belonging to a new sub-demographic of those born in the mid-to-late 1990s.

Sitting on the cusp between millennials and Generation Z, this group — often called “zillennials”— is said to embody the best (or worst) of both worlds. While not an officially recognised generation, the term has gained traction among those who feel they straddle the stereotypes of the two distinct cohorts.

These individuals often identify with aspects of both generations, from Millennials’ nostalgia for the pre-internet era to Gen Z’s comfort with technology and social activism.

There is no universal agreement on the exact birth years that define zillennials, but many consider it to span from around 1992 or 1993 to 1996.

Speaking to CNN in 2023, Juliana Olarte, then 26, said: “My sister sees me as a young millennial, and millennials see me as Gen Z. When I first heard the term zillennial, in college, I was like, ‘That’s me’.”