The most surprising facts you don't know about Gen X

Generation X, sometimes shortened to Gen X, refers to those born between 1965 and 1980. Sandwiched between baby boomers and millennials, this generation was shaped by the economic and cultural factors dominating the latter half of the 20th century. And while they're outnumbered in comparison to their neighboring generations, many Gen Xers have shaped the world during pivotal years of change and technological advancement.

They're named after a book

Gen X got their name from the 1991 book 'Generation X: Tales for An Accelerated Culture' by author Douglas Coupland. The novel is about disenfranchised post-boomers.

They're also known as "The Forgotten Generation"

This is because baby boomers, millennials, and Gen Z tend to get all the media attention, leaving Gen X ignored.

Their linage

Most of Generation X are the children of the silent generation and early baby boomers. They're also the parents of Generation Z, and sometimes millennials.

They're a comparatively rare group

Compared to baby boomers (75 million) and millennials (83 million), Gen X members are outnumbered in the US. Estimates have placed the population at around 65 million.

They're known to be cynical

Many from this generation grew up with two working parents, which meant they'd come home to an empty house after school. For this reason, Gen X has become associated with a certain cynicism that wasn't shared by their generational predecessors.

They're in more student debt than previous generations

When Gen Xers were in fourth grade in 1977, only one-third of people were borrowing money for college. By the time younger Xers were entering college themselves in 2000, 65% of students were borrowing.

They like stability

Having seen some unstable times, Generation X prefers stability in life and work.

They saw the world change

Gen X saw a changing world order, having lived through the end of the Cold War with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

They play a lot of mobile games

One survey showed that 81% of respondents said their favorite mobile activity was gaming, with 77% of those playing daily.

They grew up with cable television

Generation X was the first generation to grow up with widely available cable television. MTV, the cable television network that initially only broadcasted music videos, launched just after midnight on August 1, 1981.

They're more likely to live together before marriage

One study shows that 64% of millennials and Gen X believe that living together before marriage may help prevent divorce. This is because people have a chance to realize they're not compatible after cohabiting for years.

They experienced shaky economic times

As children and young adults, Gen X endured the recessions of the '70s, ’80s, and '90s. They also continued to be impacted by economic tumult throughout their adult lives.

They're making up the bulk of leadership roles

Thanks to their work experience, Gen X accounts for 51% of leadership roles globally.

They like getting a good deal

Surveys have shown that Gen X likes a good deal, with 88% of respondents joining loyalty and rewards programs.

They may be less likely to eat at restaurants

In 2019, one survey indicated just 23% of restaurant-goers were Gen Xers.

They're likely to take over boomers in 2028

In 2028, the aging boomer population is expected to be outnumbered by Gen X for the first time.

They're educated

Gen Xers are among the most highly educated generation in the US, with 35% having college degrees.

Divorce was seen as normal for them

Since divorce became commonplace during their early years, Gen X was the first generation where having divorced parents was normal.

They're resourceful

Generation X is typically described as resourceful, independent, and good at maintaining a work-life balance.

They're more ethnically diverse

Generation X tend to be more ethnically diverse than boomers and more open to interracial relationships.

They're more liberal

Compared to previous generations, Gen X tends to be more liberal on social issues, such as same-sex marriage. They're also less likely to be involved in organized religion.

They're more politically conservative

However, this open-mindedness doesn't necessarily translate into a more traditionally liberal political identity. A 2022 study showed that 27% of Gen Xers in the US identified as Democrats, while 30% identified as Republicans.

They're saving for retirement

When it comes to retirement savings, 31% of Gen X members have at least US$250,000 saved up, while 26% have between $50,000 and $250,000.

They like premade food

Due to their busy lifestyles, Gen X favors quick premade sandwiches and dinners from the grocery stores.

They're nostalgic

Why is everything being rebooted? Blame Gen X! They're more likely to get nostalgic for all of those '80s and '90s pop culture touchstones in ways boomers don't necessarily share.

They were the first children to have access to personal computers

In the early 1980s, the growth in the use of personal computers exploded, especially in schools and in office jobs.