Back to Blogs

What is Generation Z: Gen Z Meaning, Age Range & What Comes After Gen Z

Published on Oct 29, 2024

As society progresses through different ages, each generation profoundly impacts culture, economy, and technology. The generation we now refer to as Gen Z is one of the fastest-growing and the most tech-savvy demographic groups in the history of mankind. Born into a world with the emerging dominance of the internet, social media, and technology, Gen Z is redefining how people interact, learn, work, and consume. This generation has always lived in a world where smartphones, social networks, and immediate access to knowledge are the norms. Naturally, their mindset, principles, and actions are the products of the digital-first environment.

Generation Z Meaning

Understanding Genz's meaning is rather difficult as their regards are quite profound and far-reaching: identifying what Generation Z is simply not about recognizing the years and the demographics; it is about describing the movement charged with such adjectives as paradigm shift because it’s global. From such a perspective, Gen Z is transforming how social justice is viewed, how workforces are created, and how goods are sold—basically, this is a technology capable of becoming proactive for the interests of humanity.

There are tons of theories regarding Gen Z, and in this article, we will discuss what Gen Z culture is, the definition of Gen Z, its age range, and important things that set this generation apart.

It also compares Gen Z with the Millennials and analyzes how Gen Z will change the future. Last but not least, the article looks into the next generation, Generation Alpha, and provides some context for what the world may look like culturally and technologically in the future.

What is Gen Z?

Gen Z, also known as the Zoomers, are the people born from the late 1990s to the early 2010s, roughly around that time. The internet, smartphones, and constant connectivity make Gen Z the only generation ever to have such technology during their upbringing, so they are very much digitally influenced. Unlike the other generations who grew up with evolving technology, Gen Z is a generation that has always lived in a world immersed in technology.

The phrase Generation Z also aligns with the pattern of nomenclatures of other generations, such as the Genx generation, born between the years 1965 and 1980, and the Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996. The Z in Gen Z stands as an indication for the next member in the generational linear progression. However, it has some additional implications specific to this generation regarding the acceleration of growth in technology and swift movements in the economic aspects of society.

Characteristics of Gen Z

Adaptability: The pace at which the world has evolved, it is needless to say that Z is required to over-adapt.
Creativity: The rise of platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Youtube has provided Gen Z with an unlimited outlet to blend their necessity to express themselves with boundaryless creativity.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: While valuing autonomy and unique expression, Generation Z is seen as the most self-employed generation in history.

Key Aspects of Gen Z

Born into a Digital-First World

Generation Z has entered a world where mobile phones and the internet are the minimum requirements for existence. They are the first true digital natives, as they have been provided with high-speed internet, social media, and smartphones. It has been mandatory for them to operate various purposes of communication, learning, and entertainment in a digital format because their lives have predominantly revolved around the internet.

Tech-savvy and Socially Conscious

Gen Z has always used their phones as machines of convenience and has used various apps and platforms for every task, from making a decision or a purchase to self-representation and socialization. As a result, they have grown adept in the Flexentures of Gen Z’s Gen Z, which could mean being adept at YouTube, Tiktok, Snapchat, and other applications that govern society and communication.

Diverse and Inclusive

Gen Z is branded as one of the most diverse generations, with people coming from various races, ethnicities, and cultures. This also extends to their views of inclusion, for they have more chances of accepting others for what they are and are advocates for equality and justice.

Global Perspective

With internet use and social media access, Generation Z has more of an international dimension than the rest of the generations ever had.

Age of Gen Z

What is Generation Z's Age Range?

Generations are classified by the years a group of people was born. Generation Z is the term for the people born roughly from 1997 until 2012. The year range indicates that Generation Z comes right after Generation Y (millennials) but before Generation Alpha. Gen Z’s age range in January 2025 will be 13 to 28 years. This covers the ages between the adolescent stage and the young adulthood stage, and so they range from members who are at various stages of education, employment, and social activities.

Age Range of Gen Z

Because of the scope that the generation z age range offers, there’s a greater understanding of the life stages that the generation z is currently inhabiting. It allows us to view the group not as one single unified body but as a collection of individuals in a group of individuals in various age stages of life:

Teens (13-17 years of age)

The youngest generation Z, who are around the ages of 13-17 and above, are still adolescents, and most are currently in middle school and high school. At this stage, they are greatly swayed and sheltered by their peer networks and online space.
During this period, Generation Z teenagers are slowly working towards self-determination, forming their identities, and balancing both their social and educational activities. Many of them are quite active in the virtual environment, visiting YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, which alters their values, interests, and bonds with other people.
Several of these teenagers have started to show an interest in their careers; however, for the majority, college or university is quite a number of years away.

Young Adults (18-22 Years Old)

Individuals between 18 and 22 years of age are primarily Gen Z and are either entering colleges or looking for jobs after the completion of high school. They are working towards self-determination in the social sphere and a professional capacity as they begin to explore their career pathways.
Young adults within this age group are working towards internships, college degrees, and technical certificates in the construction of a new work environment that now advocates for technology, remote working, and flexibility. This age of Gen Z has primarily been characterized by the willingness to undertake purpose-driven jobs within companies whose ethical values coincide with their social beliefs.
As entrepreneurs, many Gen Zers leverage their digital skills by starting a side hustle or a new company. They are establishing their own businesses and creating a digital footprint on popular social media sites through market intelligence services.

Early Career Professionals (23-28 years old)

As members of Gen Z approach the ages of 23-28, they integrate into the labor market and make considerable strides in their careers. This specific group has either gotten a full-time job or is furthering their career. In addition, most of them are starting to be more responsible through leadership, teams, or projects in the organization.
Gen Zers, at this point in life, have a more developed and confined lifestyle. They manage their finances, set long-term career goals, and build relationships. They can also have long-term personal goals regarding education, certification, or a particular skill set to grow in their careers further.

Characteristics of Gen Z

Tech-Savvy Digital Natives: Tech-enhanced gadgets like smartphones and social media are crucial aspects of Gen Z’s life, and they use these tools for fun, education, and communication. They are quick to embrace new tech and can effortlessly change between devices.
Socially Conscious and Inclusive: Gen Z is vocal about inequality, climate issues, and mental health. They support brands that share the same vision and are willing to use their platforms to create change. They value social justice and brand loyalty, and they are eager to support movements and take social media by storm.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Due to their ambition and motivation, several Gen Z members started side businesses at a young age, aspiring to become influencers, entrepreneurs, or anything else that requires work and creativity. They leverage independence and innovation by utilizing YouTube and Etsy and generate profits from their skills.
Education-Oriented: Due to their prioritized education, Gen Z tends to engage in more non-conventional education techniques, including online courses and coding boot camps, in order to gain a more practical skill set that is likely to be employed for specific career paths or skills.
Global Mindset: Living in an interconnected world gives Generation Z a global mentality along with an interest in global issues like climate change or political awareness. Social media gives them the opportunity to cross different borders and share ideas or experiences, enabling a global society and community to grow.

How Is Gen Z Different from Millennials?

Both Gen Z and Millennials exhibit almost the same attributes, but let’s see how they differ from each other in terms of behavioral disposition, value systems, and preferences across several domains:

Technology Adoption: The millennials received technology gradually and had to change with the evolution; in contrast, Gen Z was born into a world where technology was fully integrated. Having been born in the age of smartphones, social media, and instantaneous information, Gen Z is finally a generation that grew up entirely engulfed by technology, as it has permeated all areas of their lives.
Social Media Usage: Facebook, which is seen as the primary social network for Millennials, is seen as the social network Revolution, and this is especially true for people who started building their first online networks in such networks. Gen Z prefers TikTok and Snapchat as they are more suitable for fast-paced short videos and offer a more direct way to communicate. Platforms that enable users to express themselves creatively and be entertained while seeking out new ideas and humor appeal to Gen Z.

Gen Z Age Range

Work Preferences: Millennials see the workplace as more about flexibility as an essential facet, with a willingness to work remotely. On the other hand, Gen Z places a higher value on security and purpose, meaningful jobs that hold equilibrium with stability no matter how unpredictable the future has to offer.
Shopping Behavior: Millennials have been seen as the demographic that is more willing to stay loyal to brands they trust. However, Gen Z demarcates a different trend, with their focus being on brands that are ethical as well as socially and environmentally responsible.

The difference between the two generations reflects technology services and time. The younger generation has been exposed to a plethora of data that has augmented their social awareness and appreciation of values.

Key Features of Generation Alpha

Introduced to automation, smart devices, and generative AI solutions from early childhood.
The most educated generation yet.
Many individuals belonging to this generation would go on to expand their community and identity.

Conclusion - Generation Z

Understanding Gen Z's definition and meaning is crucial in working with them in different areas. Their distinctive traits and passion for social change make them a powerful agent. Given the forthcoming Generation Alpha, focusing on the heritage and features of Gen Z’s existence sheds light on the development of society.

A leader in Market research, SG Analytics enables organizations to achieve actionable insights into products, technology, customers, competition, and the marketplace to make insight-driven decisions. Contact us today if you are an enterprise looking to make critical data-driven decisions to prompt accelerated growth and breakthrough performance.

About SG Analytics

SG Analytics (SGA) is an industry-leading global data solutions firm providing data-centric research and contextual analytics services to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, across BFSI, Technology, Media & Entertainment, and Healthcare sectors. Established in 2007, SG Analytics is a Great Place to Work® (GPTW) certified company with a team of over 1200 employees and a presence across the U.S.A., the UK, Switzerland, Poland, and India.

Apart from being recognized by reputed firms such as Gartner, Everest Group, and ISG, SGA has been featured in the elite Deloitte Technology Fast 50 India 2023 and APAC 2024 High Growth Companies by the Financial Times & Statista.

FAQs - Generation Z

What are the defining traits of Gen Z?

Adaptability, digital fluency, and social commitment. They tend to be:

Resourceful and able to find chatbot development solutions.
Video and infographic-friendly and not very word-oriented content users.
Generally, they favor work-life balance and are concerned for their mental states and health, arguably above other aspects of their lives.

Why is Gen Z’s age range important?

Understanding the age group that constitutes Generation Z helps marketers. Educators, as well as employers. For example:

The younger Gen Z members might be in need of educational assistance.
The older generation of employees is starting to work, which has an impact on the employment sector.

How old is the oldest member of Gen Z in 2025?

The oldest individual representing Gen Z is 28 in the year 2025, which is an important age group as they are coming of age, taking more influential positions, and becoming financially independent.

How does Gen Z shape the future?

Generation z is changing the world by:

Promoting sustainability of the environment.
Working-related requirements are for remote work capability and better mental support of employees.
Creating new ways of developing online content and e-commerce.

What generation comes after Gen Z?

Generation Alpha is the next generation after Gen Z. After 2013, a new group of people came into being, a generation with access to advanced cutting-edge technology surpassing what Gen Z had access to.

Our Services