The Decibel

Boomers, millennials, Gen Beta: Why do we name generations?

17 snips
Jul 29, 2025
Ann Hui, a Generations reporter at The Globe, dives deep into the fascination with generational labels and their significance. She discusses how societal trends have shaped names like millennials and Gen Alpha, revealing the arbitrary yet impactful nature of these categories. Hui explores the evolution of generational theories, the role of social media in shaping identities, and the growing relevance of these labels in cultural discourse. Tune in for insights on how understanding generational differences can enhance communication and cooperation.
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INSIGHT

Value of Generational Labels

  • Generational labels offer value by helping us understand social and historical contexts shaping people.
  • They improve empathy by revealing why perspectives differ across age groups.
INSIGHT

Evolution of Generation Talk

  • Talking about generations as we do today is a recent practice popularized in the last century.
  • Term 'millennial' boosted generational awareness in the 2010s, sparking broad interest.
INSIGHT

Generations Are Approximate

  • Generational categories and birth year ranges are not precise and vary by source.
  • The theory is intentionally flexible and not a rigorous science.
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