Generational Communication

I am a Millennial. I recently discovered this truth. I have only heard of Millennials having a bad rep and people complaining about them (Picture Source). Of course I did not want to be associated with them. What I didn't know is that people were referring to the wrong generation as Millennials, they were really talking about Gen Z. I also didn't really understand the importance of knowing about the different generations. What are the different generations and why should I care? Knowing how to best communicate when working with different age groups is helpful. Communication is important in everyday life. If you want to communicate effectively, knowing about the different groups and their general core values is VERY useful.

According to Mary Cooney, "Each generation grew up in a radically different time, which shapes how they see the world" (Source). If you are not aware of the different worldviews, how can you possible work well and communicate with people whose perspective may be different from yours. My current work team spans from Boomers to Millennials. We are also actively trying to recruit Gen Z to our team. Being aware of these worldview differences leads to different strategies in recruitment as well.

As a missionary, evangelism strategies can change based on these groups and their preferences. These worldview dynamics are important when you try to ask questions about truth. Do you view truth as absolute or relative? How does each group prefer to be engaged, more relational, through social media or an event (Source)? The Word of God is timeless (Hebrews 13:8, John 1:1-5, 14). It is universal in all times and all cultures and generations. The Story of the Bible spans countless generations from the beginning of time (Genesis 1) to the present day and will continue until Jesus returns one day (Revelation prophesy). The gospel does not change, but how you evangelize can be more fluid.

There aren't any hard and fast rules about the age groups. In fact, the beginning dates can be a bit fuzzy depending on your preferred website. We should also remember that research and statistics are great to generally understand a generational group, but not everyone fits into every stereotype (Source). Michael Dimock, President of the Pew Research Center, explains, the "generations are a lens through which to understand societal change, rather than a label with which to oversimplify differences between groups" (Source). Remember, these are generalizations about each group based on research and statistics. The birth years below are generally accepted with multiple sources. Another interesting tidbit, the generation names are based on events when they became adults (18-21 years) (Source). I am also only including those who are still around today.

The Greatest Generation, also known as the GI or WWII Generation was born between 1901 and 1927. They lived through WWI (1914-1918) and the Spanish Flu Pandemic (1918-1919). They were the primary age range of those who fought in WWII (1939-1945) (Source, Source, Source, Source). This generation lived through the Stock Market Crash in 1929 and the Great Depression (1929-1941) (Source, Source). (Picture Source).

Despite the hardships of war and pandemics, some notable technology invented during this time was the radio, telephone and automobile. The radio was a major influencer, "as millions tuned in to listen to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 'fireside chats' and absorbed news in a way like never before" (Source). Literature, arts, music (such as jazz and swing), and the Golden Age of Hollywood flourished and were very popular (Source).

The core values and characteristics of this generation include a higher standard of personal responsibility. They "developed great resilience in surviving hardship and solving problems" (Source). They have a strong work ethic and integrity and value loyalty. Many jobs at this time were physically demanding and they learned to rely on others (Source, Source, Source). This generation is known for being frugal. They learned how to pinch every penny through times of shortage. A common motto was “use it up, fix it up, make it do, or do without” (Source).

This generation prefers face-to-face interactions. They enjoy being asked questions and sharing their experience and knowledge (Source).

The Silent Generation, also known as the Traditionalist or Post War Generation was born between 1928 and 1945. This group was born and raised during the aftermath of the Great Depression and WWII. They fought in the Korean War (1950-1953) and lived through the beginning of McCarthyism (late 1940s-1950s). With the fear of socialism and communism, they were said to be silent during this era (Source). The Civil Rights Movement and Space Race also occurred during this time. (Source, Source, Source, Source, Source, Source). (Picture Source).

Technological advancement during this time include penicillin, radar, and rockets (Source). The prototype for the jet engine was first designed and successfully flown (1930s). The 1940s brought us the color television, microwaves and the first transistor, "the basic building block of modern electronics" (Source, Source). The film industry, sports, soul music and rock-n-roll benefited from this generation (Source).

This group is characterized as thrifty. Their frugal parents taught them how to think differently about resources and how to use them. They are disciplined, respect authority and are loyal to their families and places of employment (Source, Source). They prefer to get their information through referrals and references. They prefer to communicate through face-to-face interactions or the telephone (Source).

This generation was "born in the aftermath of the WWII when there was a 'boom' in birthrates" (Source). Between 1946 to 1964, 76 million births were reported in the US (Source). They have lived through some of the world changing events like the first step on the moon with the Apollo program, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Civil Rights Movement. "Baby Boomers defied their parents, [fought in and] protested the Vietnam War, and created the 'Summer of Love'" at Woodstock (Source). The sexual revolution and feminism were introduced during this time as well (Source). (Picture Source).

Technology advanced drastically in the Boomers' lifetime and continues to grow. They were born in the days of black and white television and currently live with the technological marvels of today. Many of the computer-age techies, such as Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, are boomers (Source).

Boomers are known as a "a generation of optimism, exploration and achievement" (Source). They hold relationships with family and friends in high regard. This group is goal driven; they were raised with the American Dream as a goal to reach (Source). Research shows that boomers are the highest consumer of traditional media, such as newspapers and television news. A high percentage engage in social networking sites; 90% have a Facebook page (Source, Source). They prefer face-to-face interactions with honest communication (Source, Source).

Generation X, also known as Gen X, the MTV generation, the forgotten generation and the latch-key generation, were born between 1965 and 1980. They were raised in households where both parents worked, often coming home from school to empty houses. Divorce was more common, so they often grew up in single parent homes. This group lived through the emergence of the AIDS epidemic, the marvels of space exploration, and the end of the Cold War (Source, Source, Source, Source, Source). (Picture Source).

Gen X is known for being resourceful, independent and self-reliant (Source, Source, Source, Source). As children, they were told to play outside until the streetlights came on. As parents, they are more hands-on. The term helicopter parent was introduced to describe the parenting style of most of this generation (Source). This generation is known for being expert DIYers, who learned things through trial and error by themselves since parents were at work (Source). They are also known for being "tech-savvy, but not tech dependent" (Source). They grew up in analog, and learned how to be digital. They are more likely to find a balance between being plugged in and unplugged from technology (Source). According to Kasasa Research, "Gen X still reads newspapers, magazines, listens to the radio, and watches TV (about 165 hours' worth of TV a month). However, they are also digitally savvy and spend roughly 7 hours a week on Facebook (the highest of any generational cohort)" (Source, Source). They prefer online communication (Source), but also like to unplug with face-to-face opportunities.

Millennials, also known as Generation Y, were born between 1981 to 1996. This is the first generation native to the digital age (Source, Source). They remember the significance of 9/11 and lived during the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars (Source). Sarah Cottrell explains, "Millennials remember when Amazon only sold books, and are also the first generation to know a childhood both with and without the internet, which now plays a significant role in their personal lives" (Source). This group is the first to integrate technology in all aspects of their daily lives, including social media, dating apps, and streaming entertainment. The creators of Facebook, TikTok and Instagram are in the Millennial cohort (Source). Other technological advancements include DVR, the 2G cell phone, and the world wide web (Source). (Picture Source).

Gen Y was born in time where the economy was growing. Their parents encouraged them to "take risks, collaborate, and become entrepreneurs in a tech-driven world" (Source). They are known for being community-oriented and environmentally conscious (Source, Source). They are adaptable and curious. Millennials excel at finding better or more effective ways of accomplishing tasks (Source, Source). Gen Y prefers communication by text and email (Source, Source).

Generation Z, also known as Gen Z, iGeneration and zoomers, were born between 1997 and 2012. Mary Cooney explains, this group was "born in the shadow of 9/11, they experienced economic insecurity during the Great Recession and the threat of violence from school shootings” (Source). They are the first true digital natives. They are the first generation to not remember a time before the digital age. This group has been constantly connected to others through some type of screen (Source, Source). They also are used to having instant access to information through smartphones and other devices. This is the Influencer generation; many had access to express their political and cultural views on social media before they were of age to vote (Source, Source). (Source, Source, Source). (Picture Source).

This group prefers the flexibility to work in hybrid environments, with a balance between in-person and remote working. This generation is known to be optimistic and future-oriented (Source). They care about current events and the environment. They are also called self-starters, self-learners and self-motivators (Source). Surprisingly, Gen Z prefers face-to-face communication. They also like visual and video content (Source, Source, Source, Source, Source).

The newest generation are called Generation Alpha. They are born after 2013. They are more likely to live in a single parent household. Gen Alpha have lived through the Covid-19 pandemic, and have experienced online learning (Source, Source). They live in an age completely immersed in technology. Technology is built into everyday items, like watches, and they can ask Alexa any question they wish answered (Source, Source). There is still much to learn about this generation as they develop into their own cohort. (Picture Source).

Being knowledgeable about generational differences is helpful in communication (Picture Source). It is doubly important when thinking about recruiting or evangelism strategies. Ed Stetzer encourages, "as cultures and generations change, it’s vital to adjust our approaches and methodologies for whatever group we are engaging. [Generations may have] changed, but the gospel—and its need for proclamation—remains unchanged. Our task is to listen to the words of Jesus and be witnesses to everyone [in every age group] all around the world" (Source) (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8).

I hope this blog has been helpful. Did you learn anything new or surprising about your own generation? Do you have any effective generational communication or evangelism strategies you would like to share? Leave a comment below or send some fan mail. Until next time.