Demographers and researchers have been using the term ‘Generation’ at various times throughout history to describe alienated youth as belonging to a specific cohort born over a specific period [1]. This became common practice after World War II and we saw the Baby Boomers followed by Generation X [born between 1965 and 1979] and Generation Y [born between 1980 and 1995]. It is believed that each generation has common characteristics that give it a specific character. This approach is very popular in the world of business where companies are using it to try and predict preferences and spending patterns. The characteristics are mostly determined by socio-economic and political influences, but since the 1990’s the impact of technology has become the overriding factor. This coincided with the introduction of a new generation, called generation Z. They are also known as “digital natives” because they are extremely comfortable with technology and have experienced more advancements in technology than all previous generations put together. From an optometric perspective it is important to understand how this may impact on visual requirements and on vision in general.
Generation Z and Generation Alpha. Download and view here: Generation Z and Generation Alpha – Test 233