One issue that has been intriguing me for quite some time, both as a politician as well a human resources professional, is the stark difference that exists between the different generations. Many must have heard of generations X, Y and Z but few have probably analysed the differences in minute detail. I believe that whoever deals with people should be aware of these differences if he or she wishes to communicate effectively with members of the different generations.

However, in the past few years I have been noticing that certain characteristics that you usually trace to one generation (usually the younger) appear in a different generation (the older). This is mostly attributable to the Internet and particularly, in the Maltese context, Facebook. More about this later.

First a quick look at the traditional definitions of the different generations.

Let’s start with those who preceded generation X, my generation, those who were born prior to the end of World War II. This is the generation that grew up at a time when unemployment meant hunger and work was a job for life. They are seen as being conservative and security-conscious.  They are the ones who normally defend the traditional values in the face of a changing reality.

Then there are The Baby Boomers (born somewhere between 1946 and 1964). They are considered the product of a prosperous, growing society who tend to force their social and political values onto society. Today, a number of these occupy a leadership position and are said to be set in their ways. On the other hand, they tend to be doers and achievers.

Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980) are those influenced by MTV, who opt for smaller families, have a higher level of education than their parents. This is a generation that is known for being independent and entrepreneurial but also less committed.

Generation Y (born 1981-1997). These are the youngsters who witnessed the mushrooming of computers, the birth of the Internet that opened up the world, the proliferation of mobile phones, and the use of SMS. They tend to live for the moment, often speak their minds and have high expectations of their workplaces such as flexible work schedules. Gen Yers prefer instant feedback and recognition.

Then there’s Generation Z, those born between 1998 and today. They have entered a world of information overload, bombarded day and night. . For the Zers, family tends to be a loose definition as so many of their school friends come from single (or even same-sex) families. The Zers influence in buying decisions is powerful. Due to many factors this generation unfortunately seems to have less time or space to have a childhood.

These are standard definitions of the different generations. I am sure many of us can also think of other differences especially when comparing ourselves with our own children and with our own parents or grandparents. Times change and so do attitudes, behaviours, ideas and ways of doing or going about things. Those who need to communicate with these different groups, including politicians need to keep in mind that one message or medium can rarely cover them all. Before we can communicate effectively, we need to learn our XYZs.

The Internet: a game-changer?

In his book The Shallows, author Nicholas Carr attempts to show that the Internet is literally rewiring our brains, affecting the way we live and communicate, remember and socialize. He also claims that by moving from the depths of thought to the shallows of distraction, the Web is actually fostering ignorance.

I think the Internet, specifically social media and in Malta Facebook, is also blurring the differences between some generations. I have come across 40-year-olds behaving like 18-year-olds by posting photos of themselves in poses that may be acceptable coming from an immature teenager but definitely not from a 40- or a 45-year-old. What about certain status updates that are posted or certain comments that come up on our Facebook walls? Some of them are written by individuals past their 50s but you would think they are written by youngsters coming out of secondary school.  A number XYers and traditionalists who make use of Facebook are also making use of a number of acronyms such as LOL and use symbols like smiles, which until some time ago was the territory of Yers and Zers.

This new reality may, after all, become a game-changer especially for those whose job is to communicate with people. We may be facing a generation with traces of a mentality belonging to another generation.  Having said this, I would not try to predict how things will develop in the future in the same way we could not foresee the present situation 10 to 15 years ago. Only time will tell…