Generation Z: The Social Media Generation - 6 Minute English

——Hello. Welcome to 6 Minute English, I’m Neil.

——And I’m Rob.

——Rob, what generation are you?

——Well, what are my choices?

——You can’t choose what generation you are, it depends on when you were born.

——Oh, OK then, what are the different generations?

——Well, there are baby 'boomers', who were born in between the 1940s and the early 1960s. Then there was Generation X, born between the mid-1960s and the early 1980s. Then there is Generation Y, also known as 'millennials', born mid-1980s to late 1990s, and ...

——OK, let me guess, Generation Z? Born in the late nineties or early '2000s' (21世纪头10年)?

——You’re very smart. So, which one are you?

——Ah, that would give away my age, wouldn’t it? But, OK, I have to 'admit' I am Generation X. And what about you, Neil?

——Yes, me too, Generation X. But today we're going to focus on Generation Z, also known as Gen Z. What marks Gen Z 'out' is that they are the social media generation. They have never known a time without social media.

——Oh, poor them!

——Now we’re going to hear from Hiral Patel who is an 'analyst' for Barclays. She appeared on BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours program and was asked whether there was much difference between millennials and Generation Z. Does she think they are the same or different?

——Most people view Generation Z as mini-millennials. And that’s because there is an 'overlap' with the word “millennial”. Our research shows that Gen Z are different and that they have their own set of values and 'beliefs' which consumer brands need to 'understand'. Our research found that Gen Z are tech-innate, 'discerning' consumers, and extremely savvy. This hyper-connected world that we live in today is a new norm for Gen Z, and they have adapted to it seamlessly. They are also more focused on environmental and social issues compared to previous generations. So, overall, Hiral Patel believes that Generation Z is distinct from millennials and should not be lumped together with them.