Generation X, Generation Y (Millennials), and Generation Z are sequential demographic cohorts following the Baby Boomers. Gen X spans birth years 1965–1980, Gen Y covers 1981–1996, and Gen Z includes 1997–2012. Each group is defined by distinct social, economic, and technological milestones during their formative years. In addition, we have Generation Alpha spanning the years 2010 to 2024. Generation Beta follows, covering the birth years from 2025 through 2039. These ranges follow standard demographic definitions, though exact boundaries can vary slightly depending on the source.

Does such contrived stratification of the youth serve any purpose beyond fuelling animated but inane, frenzied media discussions both in the social and news-channel spheres? The emptiness of the discussion would be apparent from the criteria for making the grade for various shades of youthful generation. Some of the criteria are overlapping and inane. Divorce of parents might shape a child’s growth, but it is a problem by itself and has nothing to do with the generation a youth belongs to. In fact, smartphones have blurred both class and age distinctions. Elders revel in the dual roles of being couch potatoes, watching television endlessly, while at the same time mastering the art of how to make and post a reel on their Instagram accounts.

Youth, of course, have their own unique problems. It is for parents and school teachers to ensure a healthy learning experience. Australia became the world’s first country to ban children under 16 from holding social media accounts on December 10, 2025, but it is moot whether it can be successfully replicated in India. In such matters, parental control works much better.

Graduate unemployment in India is a........

© Free Press Journal