Breaking Down a Generation into Individuals

In general the Internet is a means of communication. We spread ideas, art, music, stories, passions, desires, dreams--we share everything publicly. I have been noticing a miscommunication between older generations and younger generations. Well, as part of my research into Millennial culture here are something I have noticed:

We have all read that Millennial’s feel a sense of entitlement, and they do.

 I’m not disputing that, I merely want to alter the way we look at it. 
If a group of individuals has a foundational value of entitlement why disregard that thinking process. 

This generation is exactly a group of individuals, and lumping a 30 year age rage together alienates them. 

I propose “Micro-Generations.” 

The Millennial group can be gathered into three “Micro-Generations”:  Swing-Millennial (Gen-Y),True-Millennial, and New-Millennial. These three groups generally share basic characteristics, like entitlement,  extremely structure, multi-task ability, high stress levels. Each group communicates differently, and uses the Internet and digital communication individually.

**These groups are based on current observations of Internet use, not necessarily social/current events of the specific time periods.**

Swing-Millennials, or Gen-Y: Individuals born between 1981-1990 (Roughly). These individuals were born into the first wave of the Internet, when chat-rooms were in their heyday and AOL was everywhere. Individuals use the Internet but are not directly tied to it; in essence they can stand to turn off their laptops, put the smart phones away and enjoy a one-on-one conversation or, not.  Generally speaking they prefer a phone call or other form of “face-time” communication while completely embracing digital communication; they were the first group born into the Information Age. 

“All I’m going to say is Apple IIe and Oregon Trail, calk the wagon and float across.” 

True-Millennials: Individuals born between 1991-2002. These individuals were born into the second wave of the Internet, when G’s became associated with Internet speed. Individuals connection with the Internet and Social Networking/Media are much tighter than those of the Swing group. They absorb information, process information and spread information faster than any previous generation; they have been globally connected and highly stimulated since birth. 

“Ugh, I’m over Facebook...Post. Status.”

New-Millennials: Individuals born after 2002. I’m fairly certain when you have a child now they give it an iPad. This group of individuals knows nothing about life before texting, Skype, Facebook or Twitter; many school are giving students the technological means to create anything and everything. The scary thing is, they are so creative and smart. Try having a 10 year old how “old and lame” your Twitter is...they are the new frontier and no one can think and move as quickly as they can.

“I can’t go on the swings today, I have to catch up on Yo-Gabba-Gabba on Netflix, on my iPad”

Researcher from all fields are focusing nearly all their attention on this generation because it accounts for roughly 26% of the population and hasn't stopped growing, but they are too busy talking about what they see to (and Anthropologists you should know this) adapt their way of thinking to suit a new generation. Think of it like...Hook, the older Peter Pan couldn't remember what it was like to be a Lost Boy. He had to remember and adapt. 

This generation is all about pace, humor and connection; by ignoring the individual the “joke” falls to deaf ears.