The adoption of technology by each generation is shaped by historical events, cultural shifts, and generational experiences. Here are some key points:

 The most common technology used for information was the radio, as well as predominantly black-and-white TV. This is the generation that heard, or saw, the moon landing from their living rooms. This generation’s learning style tends to be more auditory—they want people to talk to them, in person or on the phone. They are known to enjoy a good discussion. They also experienced the rise of personal computers (PCs), the internet, and mobile phones. Despite the fact that they have adapted well to digital technologies, they may still prefer traditional communication methods.

With women returning to the workforce again and divorce rates rising, Generation X were often left to hang out at home by themselves with their colour TVs. As a result, many became independent, self-reliant, and free-thinking. The generation that invented email grew up during a time of disillusionment. With historic events like the Vietnam War, their trust in authority suffered. As a result, this typically sceptical generation showed less respect for service, title, or rank and instead valued competence and individuality. Their preferred learning style tends to be visual—they want to see what’s happening and how it works. They witnessed the transition from analogue to digital. They are comfortable with both online and offline communication.

This generation grew up during the digital revolution and the arrival of smartphones. They’ve lived life with and without digital technology.  Millennials grew up with diverse, blended families and they tend to have close family relationships. Smartphones enabled connections across the globe and helped create and maintain relationships. Generally crushed by debt and hit with injustice at home and work, many in this tech-savvy generation became more creative, empathetic, and aware of global issues than the previous generations. Chat (instant messenger) and text messages enabled this generation to give and receive information more quickly than others. As a result, they are known to prefer kinaesthetic learning (they learn by doing).

Generation Z are an increasingly diverse population and care deeply about issues such as equality, diversity, and climate change. They are often activists in nature and want to see the government involved in solutions to large, entrenched problems. Shaped by the global pandemic, they tend to learn from and be driven by social media—Twitter/X, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok (Facebook is considered already “outdated”) and value short, quick bursts of thought that are relevant to the current conversation. Having grown up with technology, they are known to be “digital natives” (Denison, 2024). 

Based on this information, it is clear that there are certain characteristics for different generations, and we can see how historical events that took place during their lifetimes have shaped this. Let’s have a look at how we can use this information to create more understanding communities.

To foster understanding and collaboration it is important to:

• Encourage open dialogues that promote empathy as well as 
• Share perspectives and experiences without assumptions
• Create a balanced environment either in work or learning settings 
• Create cross-generational teams for joint initiatives to 
• Support diverse skills and viewpoints. 
• Encourage mentorship and reverse mentoring 
• Adapt communication styles to engage effectively with all age groups 
• Be flexible, patient, and respectful. (O’Neill, 2024)

Intergenerational communication enriches our workplaces, communities, and families. By embracing differences and fostering empathy, we can build bridges that span generations, creating a more connected and harmonious world.

Watch this in-depth analysis of the impact different aspects, including technology, have on an entire generation in the following YouTube video