TECHNOLOGY

1. Baby boomers

Baby Boomers grew up in a world with relatively limited and mechanical technology. For them, communication revolved around landline phones and snail mail, and entertainment was consumed through radio and the few television networks that existed. The workplace was dominated by typewriters and, eventually, early personal computers. Nowadays they definitely prefer phone calls over text, but appreciate more face-to-face interactions and value privacy over digital transparency. Their usage of technology is more for functional purposes, such as emailing or banking.

2. Generation X

Gen X grew up witnessing the digital revolution. They experienced the arrival of video game consoles and the introduction of personal computing with early systems such as the Apple II and IBM PCs. The 1990s were a transformative period for them, as they saw the rise of the internet and cell phones. Now most of them are adapted to both traditional and digital forms of communication and they became heavy social media users, but more likely to use older platforms like Facebook.

3. Generation Y

Millennials are the first generation to grow up with the internet as a given. They witnessed the evolution from bulky desktop computers to sleek laptops and saw mobile phones transform from clunky devices to powerful smartphones. Social media exploded during their formative years, with platforms like MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter fundamentally shaping their social interactions. In present they are highly active on multiple platforms and they are also known for embracing the gig economy and remote work, thanks to technological advancements.

4. Genereation Z

Gen Z has never known a world without the internet. This generation is defined by having constant access to information, leading to the ability to rapidly adapt to new platforms and technologies. Smartphones have been ubiquitous in their lives since childhood, and they are masters of multitasking, juggling various apps and media. Social media is more than a tool for them; it's a primary form of communication and self-expression. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram shape trends and culture almost instantly. Gen Z is also environmentally and socially conscious, using technology to amplify causes they care about. They expect technology to be fast, intuitive and immersive.

5. iPad kids

The youngest cohort, often referred to as "iPad Kids," have been exposed to touchscreen technology from a very young age. Many of these children know how to swipe on a screen before they can form full sentences. For them, the world is one of instant access and constant stimulation, with YouTube, Netflix, and various apps serving as their primary sources of entertainment and learning. Their education is heavily influenced by technology, with tablets and e-learning tools becoming a staple in classrooms. While their digital literacy is high, experts also express concern about the potential impact of excessive screen time on social skills and physical activity.

Author: Aneta Frolíková