Not Gen X. Not Millennials.
Are you unable to relate to Generation X or Millennials? You might fall into a subgroup dubbed Xennials. This cohort consists of individuals born between the years 1977 and 1985. However, this range is more fluid than fixed as there are individuals outside of this range that relate to the feeling of displacement. So, how can you tell if you’re part of this generation? If you relate to any of the following sentiments than you’re probably a Xennial.
You Used Payphones Unironically
You’ve used a payphone for it’s designed function and not just to pose for an Instagram photo. You never had a cell phone as a teen instead, when you wanted to call someone you had to call their phone line and probably speak to their parents before you got to chance to speak to them. Meeting up with your friends involved an incredible amount of trust. You could only hope that your friends would show up on time because you couldn’t just facetime or text them to see if they were running late.
Social Media Didn’t Blow Up Until You Were In Your Twenties
In school, you didn’t have to worry about someone uploading an unflattering photo of you, having your messages screenshot, or having your most embarrassing moments viewed by potentially thousands of people around the world. The worst thing you had to worry about were nasty rumor being spread about you which would eventually die out by word of mouth. Today’s technology makes it so nothing is forgotten, no matter how hard you try to bury it.
You’ve Owned Cassette Tapes, CDs, And MP3 Players All In Your Lifetime
Before you could just download and stream an endless amount of content you had to buy records, cassette tapes, and CDs. If you remember listening to cassette tapes, saving up to buy CDs, and were fascinated by MP3 when they came out, you’re most likely a Xennial. Although you clearly remember the days of Napster and Limewire, you were a full-on adult when Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora were launched.
Do You Relate More To Gen X?
Do you relate to the grungy and angsty generation that came after the Baby Boomers? Generation X is characterized as being apathetic, depressed, and incredibly technologically adept. They actually memorized phones numbers, know how to mail letters, and it took them hours to get their photos developed. This generation experienced the rise of Bill Gates, Madonna, and watched Saved By The Bell while it was airing. If you were an adult when Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter were launched, you’re most likely a part of Gen X.
Do You Relate More To Millennials?
Millennials are characterized as having divorced parents, being glued to technology, and having overconfidence even in an unstable economy. They are also the generation which grew up with sporadic wars or rather sporadic threats of war and they were born in the aftermaths of deadly transmitted diseases. They were not raised with sunny skies and peaceful chants but rather global warming, political correctness, and the rise of veganism. It’s actually quite surprising how Millenials are given a reputation for being optimistic when they’ve lived through an incredibly unstable time period.
Whether you call this group Xennials, The Lucky Ones, or the Oregon Trial Generation they all grew up completely different from stereotypical “millennials”. This generation may have the hardest economically. They share both the lows and highs of Generation X and millennials. This generation is characterized as potentially having the worse luck due to the combination of student loans, the recession, and potential job losses. This generation has been through a lot. Not to mention they get tossed in with millennials and generation X even if they don’t relate to them.
Who do you relate to? Is there anything we missed? Let us know!
