Born: 1997 - 2012
Ages 13-28 in 2025
Generation Z includes anyone born between 1997 and 2012. This makes Gen Z currently between 13 and 28 years old in 2025. Gen Z is the first generation to grow up entirely with smartphones, social media, and instant internet access from childhood. They have never known a world without Google, YouTube, or mobile apps.
Unlike Millennials who adapted to technology, Gen Z was born into it. They learned to swipe before they could write, grew up with tablets as toys, and consider technology an extension of themselves rather than a tool. This generation is incredibly tech-savvy, able to navigate multiple platforms simultaneously and learn new apps intuitively.
Gen Z is known for their strong stance on social justice, climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial equality. They expect brands and employers to take clear positions on social issues and will actively boycott companies that do not align with their values. Mental health awareness and destigmatization is particularly important to this generation.
Having witnessed Millennials struggle with student debt and economic uncertainty, Gen Z is highly entrepreneurial. They are more likely to have side hustles, create content online, or pursue freelance work. Many aspire to be influencers, content creators, or start their own businesses rather than follow traditional career paths.
Gen Z has an average attention span of 8 seconds compared to 12 for Millennials, but this is not necessarily negative. They have developed incredible ability to filter information quickly, multitask across platforms, and find answers fast. They prefer bite-sized content like TikToks, Instagram Reels, and short-form videos.
Gen Z values flexibility, work-life balance, and purpose-driven work even more than Millennials. They expect remote work options, mental health support, and clear career progression. This generation is less likely to stay in jobs that do not align with their values or offer growth opportunities. They communicate directly, appreciate feedback, and want to feel their work makes a difference.
Gen Z prefers texting over calling, values authenticity over polish, and uses humor especially self-deprecating constantly. They communicate through memes, GIFs, and emojis as a language of their own. Unlike Millennials who often overshare, Gen Z is more private about personal information online but highly expressive about their identities and values.
Yes, 2010 is Generation Z. Anyone born in 2010 is currently 15 years old and firmly within the Gen Z cohort that spans 1997-2012.
Generation Alpha comes after Gen Z. Gen Alpha includes anyone born from 2013 to the present.
No, Gen Z and Millennials are different generations. Millennials were born 1981-1996, while Gen Z was born 1997-2012. The key difference is that Millennials remember life before widespread internet, Gen Z does not.
Gen Z is known for being digital natives, socially conscious, entrepreneurial, diverse, and advocating for mental health awareness and climate action. They are also known for short attention spans but high information processing ability.