Generation X, or Gen X, refers to people born roughly between 1965 and 1980, though the exact years can vary slightly depending on the source. This generation falls between the Baby Boomers and Millennials. Gen Xers were shaped by major social and technological shifts, such as the rise of personal computers, the end of the Cold War, and the increasing prominence of divorce and two-income households.
Some key characteristics often associated with Gen X include:
• Independence: Many were latchkey kids, often left alone after school due to parents working, leading to a sense of self-reliance.
• Skepticism: Having grown up during times of political and corporate scandals, such as Watergate and economic recessions, Gen X is often seen as skeptical of authority and institutions.
• Technological adaptability: Gen X experienced life before and after the digital revolution, making them adaptable to both analog and digital environments.
• Cultural influences: The rise of alternative music, MTV, and the internet shaped Gen X’s pop culture identity.