Generation Gap and the Factors that Encouraged the Gap Trend

The generation gap was supposed to be gone for the major part of the current millennium. People older than 40 or even more started shopping from the same malls as the teens and pre-teens. The internet access to all and sundry only tightened the gap. You will now witness grandmas swiping Facebook screens while there are TikTok accounts of babies.

Although it seems the gap is shrinking, it may not be the case. We may have imagined the generation gap will manifest in differences in music taste, fashion sense, or cultural norms. However, it somehow turned out to be more distinct in working style. Especially in the wake of COVID-19, the new generation turned and adapted well to work from home and online learning. But the elders are not so flexible. So, while students managed to float through academic years using online assignment help, the teachers (especially the older cohort of professors) found it hard to adjust to the challenges of e-teaching!

Here is a detailed post on the generation gap, the various factors enhancing the trend, and how to bridge it.

What we know – A historical check on how things were

There are about six generations we can name surviving in the world right now.

• On top of the list is The Greatest Generation (1901 – 1924, hard-working and loyal people)

• Then we come to the Silent Generation (1928 – 1945, born during the time of war and economic epidemic)

• Following that Generation comes to the Baby Boomer generation (1946 – 1964, known as the longest living generation)

• Then born was the generation X (1960 – 1980, they are the people who know the value of independence and work-life balance)

• Following generation X came the Millennial Generation (1980 – 1994) - people born during the last two decades, also known as Generation Y

Millennials are motivated, like-minded people. They hold intuitive knowledge of technology, are open to new challenges and changes, are very adaptive, and keep the passion for learning.

Next to Millennials were born Generation Z (1996 – onwards). Scholars and scientists have used 1996 as the birth year for Generation Z, known for their support towards diversity. They are the digital experts, programmers, politically and socially progressive minds, and champions of better mental health.

The term "generation gap" raises the discussion over the difference in acts, beliefs, interests, and attitudes between people of various generations. Like in old times, perhaps in the days of generation X, teens would always run to their grandfather (who had served in the army at some point in their lives) and ask the oldies to tell stories or provide them assignment help. They were some good old times when the younger generation could easily communicate with their elders. Things have changed ever since.

Read on to find out more about the phenomenon.

Generation Gap over Social Media

Media trends shape an ever-changing picture of how different generations use various social media sites. Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter are the most popular social media platforms for reaching out to potential clients. Although many people think of social media sites as popular platforms, the truth is social media is much more diverse than anyone can imagine. Each social application builds new challenges for marketers to reach their target audience of a specific generation.

Facebook has a reputation of attracting an older demographic of users (generation X), whereas YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter attract Millennials, while Generation Z prefers Snapchat and TikTok.

COVID-19 pandemic helped scholars and scientists make an interesting discovery towards generations. Research done by The World Health Organization (WHO) and the University of Melbourne on Millennials and Generation Z indicates the two-generation audiences relied on social media platforms for news during the COVID pandemic. And about two-thirds of those audiences used Instagram to receive the related news. This is a strange outcome given that Instagram, owned by Facebook, was never planned to be a news podium. Its features favour posts by users with more followers rather than journalistic reliability.

With old school people relying on newspapers and news channels to stay updated on world affairs, their younger generation hoarding information off social media didn't sit well with them. The rift thus deepened.

Technology Dividing Generations

With positive views towards technology, there is a risk each Generation will become even more isolated, settling into their specialised regions in terms of interacting, getting news, and connecting with one another.

When it comes to how technology influences the age divide, there is much more to it than downloading a movie or app or purchasing online.

The Millennials are the most digitally aware individuals. These generations have no recollection of a period before email and the internet. Millennials are tech-savvy, and they like to share their lives online in a way that appeals to older people. Unfortunately, there seems to be a prevalent mentality; it never happened if it is not on social media.

In contrast, Generation X are frequently technically capable of using the internet and online banking, shopping, and occasionally posting on social media. However, technology is not a large component of their social life in most situations.

Usually, it comes down to attitudes. In prior generations, everyone was influenced by the same things. They all watched the news and TV simultaneously, and the same topics affected them. Today's Millennials and youngsters will go straight to YouTube and other internet sources like Twitter or Instagram. It is a fast-paced and sometimes outrageously erroneous perspective of the world.

By definition, Boomers and older age groups continue to watch traditional media. While these generations have been quick to develop technical skills to stay up to date, online is no substitute for genuine face-to-face communication for them.

Technical skill is also required. The ability of older individuals to understand and use new technology influences how technology affects the age gap. Because Millennials usually author this for the younger Generation, many older individuals might get left behind when things move too quickly.

Benefits of Bridging Generation Gap

Generations experience gaps because the years and events they have been through are unexplainable. Yet, providing opportunities to people to connect is crucial because this is how youngsters are going to learn to foster relationships. Meanwhile, the elders will learn to engage more with changing environment. Therefore, it is crucial to A few factors are described below to explain the benefits of bridging generations:

1. We Learn to Treat Others Nicely

Anyone can see how the structure of our societies naturally divides us into different age groups. However, breaking down those barriers has amazing social advantages. When children and elders have space to engage, their emotional and social development improves. Seniors may share cultural beliefs and customs, and youngsters can gain crucial social skills.

Inter-generational learning allows both older and younger generations to appreciate the beauty of variety. For example, when a kid meets a senior, the individuals develop an understanding, making communities more welcome places to live with better mutual respect and care. To make the youngsters understand the elders, they should be given activities such as the seniors providing cheap assignment help or helping kids make a dinosaur drawing for better development.

2. Learning About New Things

Who is better than a compassionate elder to teach a kid patience and responsibility? And who better to help a senior see the world through new eyes than a curious child? Seniors are well suited to the role of leading young children through constructive activities because they know their life experiences and have an abundance of patience. With their many interests and ease with technology, children have a lot to offer seniors!

3. Personal Growth

When the elderly and children interact and form connections, the communities improve. Intergenerational connections boost self-esteem and self-worth, and for children, the more loving, invested adults who are present in their daily lives, the more good life outcomes would be witnessed.

4. We Need One Another to Form Better Communities

Inter-generational relations are unique because they benefit each other. Children and elders fit together like jigsaw pieces, filling gaps in one other's lives in ways that no one else could. Children keep elders busy and can have various good consequences on their physical and cognitive health. They have a distinct and contagious way of sharing their happiness and interest. On the other hand, being around seniors helps youngsters develop important communication skills and understand their purpose and position in the world. Certain lessons can only be learned from those who have gone before us.

Thoughts

In reality, both Millennials and previous generations have a lot to learn from one another. Differences apart, bridging the generation gap will benefit everyone. Moreover, it will surely benefit future generations. We have to plant seeds of kindness to mitigate the effects of how cruel the world is becoming with every passing day.