Human generations have experienced technological evolution in recent decades which has shaped the generational differences. The rise is different generations can be grouped into traditionalist, baby boomers, Generation X and Millennial. It is, however, bets to understand the influence of technology in the rise of these different generations. We must inevitably get a detailed understanding of the existing generational gaps to enable us to comprehend the technological influence in every generation.
Traditionalist generation 1900-1945, was highlighted with technology free engagements. The use of in-person conversation was the most preferred form of communication, especially with the retired population. Children of the traditionalist generation were meant to be seen and not heard, leading to the generational referral as the silent generation. 1946-1965, emerged the Baby boomers who were strong believers in communicating using phone calls was meant for influential people working in senior positions.
The period 1965-1980’s created memories around bulky desktops, an essential moment of a technological shift in a hybrid of analog and digital generation. This generation appreciated both old and new technology and used technology largely out of convenience for email purposes.
The Millennial generation, on the other hand, is the fastest growing generation 1985-2000’s. This generation views technology as the center of their lives, allowing them to multitask, effectively replacing the face to face encounters. With this generation, technology helps them to leverage social and work activities in simple devices, such as mobile phones and tablets that brought the rise of texting and social media platforms( known as the generation x and y).
Conclusion
Generational changes are inevitable. There speed and rate at which the generations have evolved from the traditionalists who were more concerned with recognition and order in every activity, to the less concerned and more technologically aware generation X. there has been massive in-between innovation and technological developments that have been instrumental in the changes in these generational classes.
It is, therefore, critical to understanding that computing is not all about computers, but rather about living. Technology should be a tool to better our lives rather than kill our societal values to the point of ignorance as has been the concern with generation X. When technology fails, it is critical to embrace analogism because the best way to bridge these generational gaps is by embracing both the old and new.
