What generation are you part of, really? Take this test.
If you want to know how old you really are, look at the media you use rather than the generation you were born into.
Generational labels are important in the discussion of the changing workforce. For example, we need to understand who is pushing for change and who is criticizing change in order to understand how to create workplace bridges. And increasingly, young people are calling for baby boomers to get out of the way.
However I get a lot of email from people at the later end of the baby boom who do not identify with baby boomers. To some extent researchers have dealt with this issue by categorizing the latter section of the baby boom separately, as Generation Jones (born between 1954 and 1965). This category will make some people feel better, but there still will be baby boomers who are indignant at being lumped with the delusional, self-centered, money-hungry baby boomers.
But hold it. Maybe you are not really part of the generation your birthday falls under.
Here’s an idea: We should determine our generation not by our age but by how we use media. This comes from Margaret Weigel, who has worked at Harvard and MIT doing research on digital media engagement:* “We should not judge people rigidly by the years they were born,” she says, “If we want to define people by categories, it should be by behaviors because this is something each of us chooses.”
Another reason to use media engagement to peg someone’s age is that the media we use reflects both the space we live in and the circle of friends we run with. For example, you probably won’t find the Wii at a senior center, and you do what your friends do or you’re out of the loop.
So here is a test I put together with the help of an interview with Weigel and an evening reading her blog. Add up your points to figure out what generation you’re really a part of:
Do you have your own web page? (1 point)
Have you made a web page for someone else? (2 points)
Do you IM your friends? (1 point)
Do you text your friends? (2 points)
Do you watch videos on YouTube? (1 point)
Do you remix video files from the Internet? (2 points)
Have you paid for and downloaded music from the Internet? (1 point)
Do you know where to download free (illegal) music from the Internet? (2 points)
Do you blog for professional reasons? (1 point)
Do you blog as a way to keep an online diary? (2 points)
Have you visited MySpace at least five times? (1 point)
Do you communicate with friends on Facebook? (2 points)
Do you use email to communicate with your parents? (1 point)
Did you text to communicate with your parents? (2 points)
Do you take photos with your phone? (1 point)
Do you share your photos from your phone with your friends? (2 points)
0-1 point – Baby Boomer
2-6 points – Generation Jones
6- 12 points – Generation X
12 or over – Generation Y
(Note: This post contains the views of Weigel and not necessarily those of Harvard and MIT.)
I was born in 1977 and scored 16 points : G-y
My sister was born in 1980 and scored 11 points: G-x
I am a 20 on this test! I was born in 65 but I have always been an early adapter with technology.
My grandmothers are still alive and are both in different nursing homes and they can receive emails from the facilities. I wonder if seniors, with time on their hands, are now becoming more like gen y?
Thanks for the fun test!
J
What’s weird is much of that list are things I did in my late teens/early 20’s (in the late 90’s/early 2000’s) so I would equate them all with being GenX things – though I think there is a step missing between Gen X and Y, as GenY I see as lazy and unmotivated, and not these things you list above which I see as relating more to “my” generation (people born in 1977-1983). I got a 21 on your test, btw, though having my own webpage (can you say 1997?)/online diary (livejournal early adopter)/IM’ing my friends(ICQ 6 digit ID number!) I would say are pretty old news, and I do none of the above anymore, aside from that we use gmail at my work and we all chat constantly, but that’s just at work, I always have FB chat off as I find it annoying. Anyway I gave myself points for those things anyway…
I got 17. I think if someone my age (30+) who is working in a modern, creative industry isn’t doing those things, they will find it more difficult to compete in their workplace.
I’m a late Millenial, and got 10 points. I do love Grunge and classic Hip-Hop, so I’m not complaining. :P
I’m a late Millenial, and got 10 points.
I was born in 1982, but it says that I am in Generation Jones. I scored 5 points. Not very accurate.
i m agreeeed with it,……………….
I got 24.
I also find content on sites using Google’s “site:” search operator, instead of using native search fields, or menu navigation. Yet, I don’t have an Internet connection at my house. I wonder if these earn me extra “generational” points?
As another comment referenced, it’s important to remember class plays a role in the behavior of individuals in a generation.
Loved the post!
I was born in 1979, and even though I scored 6 on the test, I consider myself a millenial because:
1. I am impatient.
2. I want a job that is rewarding and fun rather than one that just pays money/do not like dress codes/expect timely gratification on the job.
3. I am open to ALL kinds of diversity (support gay marriage/oppose traditional gender roles/support green technologies/oppose war unless it is necessary).
4. I am tech – savvy (use internet a lot/have facebook/have cell phone/blog on google).
The above are many of the characteristics of generation y, so I think that THESE are the questions that should be asked on a generation test. The ones given on this test are not broad enough – they cover just the technology sector, and ignore all the other factors.
LOL (Laughing Out Loud) for those who scored 0 or 1! I’m really a Baby Boomer (Barely) and I scored into Generation Y. Really this is a Test to see How much of Geek you are when it comes to Technology? Going to read more to see if I can find one that uses something else other then Technical (Computer) questions for scoring!
But yes, it made me feel Young!
I am a Boomer, albeit just but sadly, still a boomer and I got 13 so feeling pretty good about this!! Thanks for the boost!
I was born in 1965, but according to this I’m firmly Gen-Y. The only one I didn’t check was texting my parents — that’s only because of them, not me, though.
I scored 12 I love technology but still like to communicate and gather information by talking via the phone and or even in person, face to face. Don’t we all still like the personal touches of friends, families and even coworkers. Seeing them smile and light up when we geniunely show we care about them, compliment them on a job well done or just say “have a great day your deserve the best”.
Wow if we could all realize that people still want to be touched in that way.
Have a wondrful Thanksgiving with friends, family and co- workers! Seems like the best holidays are spend looking at the face across the tabletop than the face of the my laptop.
I agree Kevin, personal interaction is much more rewarding. However, I believe tech has it’s place. For example, I moved from MN to CO to begin my career in advertising, and I’m thankful that I’ll be able to video chat with my family via my Mac. Makes me wish they had this tech when my dad was serving in the Gulf War.
Have a wonderful holiday Kevin. We all have ample to be thankful for.
Joshua
@joshuawoolery (Twitter)
I did the test and scored 12 and Im 52. What i found the most interesting was that there was a sense of success if you scored more than the points assigned to your generation.
Like the guy who was 88 and had a Gen Y score… some may have missed the purpose or could it be a leveller between the ages / generations
WHAT>>
Cool! I’m not an old fart boomer, but an old fart gen-y’er. What a relief!
Just goes to show, that tests are no indication of skill or age.
A 1964 boomer, keeping up, and kickin’ it w/ the Y-ers. LMAO ‘cuz I scored a 19!
I am not in I.T. nor communications. I just keep up with the times.
I’m supposed to be Generation Jones, but with 14 points, Y fight it. People have always said I’m ahead of the curve anyway. Gonna put this on my Facebook page I think.
As a Gen-Yer, I would argue our comfortableness with Digital/Online/Mobile tools lends itself well to benefit us versus our older, wiser and more experienced counterparts. I’d also argue many of my peers (1-3 years in the workforce) still have “stars in their eyes” because they are filled with hope and optimism. I doubt many of these people will feel the same and/or better because many of my peers took the first job that came to them.
No matter what generation you associate yourself with; you’ll be unhappy and be outperformed by others as long as you are not following your passion.
*Apologies in advance for any spelling errors. I wrote this from my iPhone. :)
@joshuawoolery (twitter)
So, I’m 59 and scored in the Gen Y group. Does this say something about the test, the person who created the test, or me?
This test tells little, if anything. I’m 61, got an eleven, but I am not an Xer or a Yer. On the other hand, I am not “delusional, self-centered, money-hungry”. Use of technology in general I could understand, but why is use of media an indicator of anything?
I was using Fortran and punched cards in the ’60s, creating and running websites in HTML about fifteen years ago, but don’t do it anymore as I have better things to do. I have no need to download music, and I’m busy enough that I don’t have time to remix videos. I have texted a couple of times, but didn’t take those points, as e-mail works just fine, and a real phone call even better. MySpace? You’re kidding! And why should you get points for knowing how to perform an illegal activity?
It’s a good thing my father is still alive – and has been using e-mail for many years – so I could get that point!
Myspace? Really?
I was born as generation Jones but scored as generation X.
I wouldn’t dream of keeping a blog or using Tweeter but I do text people, I do take pictures on my phone, I do load my PC with Apps & info that make my job easier and I have created a website for no other reason than the satisfaction of doing so …and when I don’t understand something, I find out by the simplest means.
So, folks, Question 3 …what is IM ?
I’m 56, and scored a 17. (Sheesh, who uses MySpace any more? My 5 visits were 4+ years ago).
Interesting that illegal music downloads got 2 points. Beginning from the time some 12 years ago that they wanted to rip friends’ CDs, I taught my kids (both solidly in Y) that doing this is stealing from the artist, plain and simple. (I’m not concerned with the Big Brother/FBI aspect, but the basic interpersonal ethics). Yes, they rolled their eyes at me – and probably still do – but at least they got the idea in their heads. “Do unto others…” is a rule that applies everywhere, regardless of the style of interface.
Does online shopping in japan not count? (Try it, it’s really tricky when it comes to breaking down your phone number and Street address to suit japanese order forms and the “international” manual is all in kanji!!) How about commenting articles in a foreign language on a website based on another continent? Or watching weirdly subtitled anime series streamed somewhere? I mean, there is just so much more to do and know than profanely downloading music.. =(
Wooohoooo!!! 49 years old and I still haven’t grown up ….I love when my kids tell me to “stop acting like a child” and to stop trying to make my iphone do things that it wasn’t designed to do, like talk like Will Ferrell (I haven’t been able to figure out how to make coffee with it, although now that I think of it I could probably get it to communicate with the coffee maker to make it turn on) And I’m the one that gets the phone call when they’re at college to help them figure out problems with their computer or help them look up deals on ebay and craigslist or tell them how to find out stuff real quick on the internet. I tell them to call the help desk at school or the phone number on the tech support contract that came with the computer, after all, I’m busy trying to figure out how to make my phone cook breakfast so that I have more time to get the ballgame scores and text my friends.
Eyerolling at a million dumb comments either just stating the score with no context or explanations that the poster is a special snowflake and the test doesn’t apply. You need some moderation here.
What’s MySpace?
I am definately a 46 yr old Gen-Yer!! I am addicted to my Droid(by the way, did you know that you can use the Droid as a phone? – I think I only text my friends and have used the “phone” function a couple times in the last few years. . .)and cannot live without tech toys. I have managed to hack the root directories of both my Droids. I read books, listen to music, take photos, take videos, go online, play multi-player games, purchase stuff, calendar, take random notes, learn a new language, etc. on my Droid. If it isn’t on my Droid, it doesn’t go with me. I have built my own computers for my specs. I use approximately 4-5 different browsers depending on what I am doing. I have 3 FB accounts (you know, for business, friends and gaming – sure, I could make groups, but why?). I have My Space, Digg, Yahoo & Twitter (Although, I just can’t get used to the lack of interaction with Twitter). I don’t know it all, but I sure can tell you where to find it and EVERYone who knows me knows that. AND I don’t work in an IT field!
btw – Is if fair that I lose points for not being able to text or e-mail my parents? Heaven is not reachable by 4G yet. . .
I sure this is totally inappropriate, but…are you married? I don’t know anyone in my age group like you…except me!
Timmaaayyy! Dude – I don’t know if it’s appropriate or not, however, I am married. . . I’m very flattered though & I think I now can’t say that a someone was only interested in my ____ and wasn’t interested in my brain :>)
Sugarpucks!!!!(that’s my way of saying a bad word) I should’ve known that somebody that is way cool and semi-nerdy like me had to be married. Oh well, I guess we have that in common as well. P.S. Way cool jewelry, but I don’t think my wife would appreciate it if I told her I bought her something from a woman I was “blogging:”with on the internet…actually, she’d want to know if “blogging” is even legal in our state… ;)
Timmaaayyy! Thanks for the compliments. Sorry to hear your wife is 404. . .
ROLF…so 404…OMG, she’s banned from using my computer because she thinks she has to click the all of little “X” thingy’s to clear up the screen before she goes on the internet….and her term for not knowing how to use the computer is “the computer is broken, can you fix it?”….heeelllpppp, somebody….please
I’ll pray for you! My husband thinks “reformat” is how you clean up your computer for . . .well. . . most anything. Note: We have our own computers, don’t touch mine and I won’t touch yours. . !
oh, I’ll praying for you as well…I have two full backup configurations just in case people like your husband get their hands on my computer….What would you think about a geek line of jewelry, say a jump drive covered in a hand-hammered sterling silver case or gold-plated jump drive case with a single diamond in the center…simple, elegant and functional…or perhaps iPod earbud earrings?
That’s too funny! I carry around 40 or so gigs with me, just in case! I’m loving the jewelry ideas and am already working on incorporating them into my designs!! Thanks :>)
Also 47 … also got a Droid and do just about everything with it. Never built my own computers though…. I’m only one FB, but I do love Twitter (two accounts). Have MySpace and Tumblr but rarely on it. … Same issue here with my parents (both deceased), although I have a grandmother who, if she were still alive, would probably be all over Facebook and text messages herself (she was born in 1893 but seriously into MTV just before she died in 1985). …
It is nice to know that at age 40, I’m still considered Gen Y: life really begins at 40 ….
I’m 55 or is it 56 – I forget – but I scored 19 and am proud of it! I explore media alternatives primarily as a way to stay in touch with my kids and less so for work reasons. However, my media saavy and “risk taking” have had pay-offs professionally. I enjoyed taking the quiz. It’s fun to compare chronological age to health age to media behavior age, etc. I question the comments made by one or more responders that their age is characterized by their values. I believe values are demonstrated best by what you do and not what you say…which means that values can be assessed by media behavior too. The older I get the more I value resourcefulness – and media savvy enables me to be very resourceful! I am able to role-model this resourcefulness in ways that are meaningful to people much younger than me because I use many of the same tools that they use…and I am open to learning from them too.
I’m in my MBA class and this was sent to me by my professor. Finally a name for the people between boomers and the X’ers.
Call me a cynic, but was this test designed to appeal to our vanity and make people fit into a generation younger than we really are? (Also, does emailing your parents by sending the mail to your brother who lives down the road from them then takes the hard copy over at weekends count?)
David – Cynic! You really think we’re all trying to be younger!!! (with sarcasm) However, on the note of sending your e-mail to your brother for your parents, I’d say that it counts just as much as me sending a text to heaven for my dad!! It makes us both younger!! I think it’s really a geek/techie measure and I qualified at the top!
So I was intrigued and took the test…I came out Gen X, almost Gen Y, yet I’m definitely a leading edge Baby Boomer. Isn’t it time to stop stereotyping the generations and focus on the attitudes and character traits that make people successful in business and in life? Things like resiliency, integrity, commitment, curiosity and collaboration.
I’m 60, scored 12, and lick the rug because it s me.
This 47-year old “fart” scored 19. Go figure. I graduated from college in 1985 and learning and using new technology has always been part of my various jobs, even though they have all been in relatively non-technical fields. I’m not sure if the quiz is more a test of your tech-savviness, or of social-saviness. There are many, many Boomers on Facebook and you’re giving them 2 points and bumping them up a notch just for that, but it’s fun to be Gen Y. ;-)
Hey “old fart” just remember they can’t help it (the “Millenials” – the “Gen Y” – the what-ever) they are so inexperienced they do not know what they do not know.
– – – – –
As far as a Gen Y’er doing my job? Nope. Don’t think so honey. And I will leave the workforce when I am ready to do so and not one moment earlier than that. If you technologically tweeting twitters are so creative and futuristic in your abilities – go figure out a new sort of job to do.
My-my aren’t you Gen Y’rs full of yourselves.
My my, just a little touchy aren’t we . . . just a blog, have fun with it.
I’m going to ask my boss to give me extra points on my job review for my 14 score on this test, that should get me a raise. I wonder if using an iPhone , ipod , itunes or an ipad gets any extra credit? Oops just got IM’d gotta go waste some more company time on Facebook! This crap article is a joke.
I’m deaf – born deaf, matter of fact. The questions about music don’t apply to me but instead of scoring myself 0 on that, I substituted “ebooks” for “music”.
Yes, many deaf people love music, but unlike hearing people, music isn’t central in their lives.
I was born in the early part of Generation X, but am fully Generation Y.
Your questions might be far more effective if you had used different critera. I would suggest not focusing on technology nor jobs.
The people who are baby boomers or “generation Jones” are far more likely to be living within their means. Both X and Y are far less frugal. That means with the recent economy imploding on everybody, “X and Y” are less likely to be in the black – much more likely to be in the red, while the prior 2 generations are likely to be in the black.
I would say: Take a cue from the Baby Boomers and Joneses – they’ve good information about how to survive through bad times.
As for what you term job-hopping – I wouldn’t say more secure. It shows prospective bosses that one isn’t likely to stay loyal. I’ve noticed that seniors have an easier time getting jobs than the younger people. In fact, I saw an senior citizen working at a mall, cleaning floors, the other day. I’m seeing many more seniors working at jobs that you speculated as being for the younger set.
I think your article needed more research before being written. Oh, and the older groups KNOW how to research, get accurate information, and how to CITE it. The younger groups do not. They often think anything that’s said on the internet is accurate. It’s not. Not even Wiki.
Once again, I say – X and Y can learn a lot from the older people.
With that being said, you did write an interesting article even though you left out a lot of things, including citations.
Cheers.
This blog was written in June 2007. So why is it still circulating as relevant???
It looks like we have an out-of-touch, ie: “baby boomer” in charge of content…
Honestly, I’m 38 and lived in both Japan and Korea for a year between 2005-2006. That was five years ago and as a whole, both countries were light years ahead of US in both available technology and its use. I can only assume the same is still true.
Technology use is not an accurate determinant of anything really, save perhaps neophilia. I’ll let those with the curiosiy gene look that word up…
This article certainly doesn’t address why techno obsession makes us better suited to the workforce than not.
Disagree. My 83 year old mother could score 12.
My younger colleagues may be skilled in ways of communicating but do not always bother to communicate useful information.
I think everyone needs to keep some perspective with this. Remember that these are our opinions and that they are very subjective. What may be important useful information to me may not be to you. Technology use is probably an excellent measure of neophilia. However, isn’t change good?!? (That’s what they say – whomever “they” are). I think everyone can learn from all generations – I don’t think that any one generation is better than the other, I think that each generation has it’s strengths. Just my thoughts. . .
btw pete – this blog was a link from a recent BNet article. .
Well, I scored a 16, & I am solidly in the Baby Boomer gen. My parents are dead, so I gave myself a zero for those related texting/ emails to parents.
However, I am not convinced Gen Y’s are better. I came to this link via: http://www.bnet.com/blog/penelope-trunk/why-gen-y-is-better-at-your-job-than-you-are/304
In that article they state GenY are better at weathering a bad economic climate because they move back home to live with their parents. Sorry, I read this as running back home to Mommy, ie: a baby mentality.
I am speechless with that concept that it is ok to move back in with mom & dad when you are over 25 years old (& didn’t even go to graduate school so no excuse). Do you know how to spell “LOSER”?
If I were to consider hiring someone who moved back home (or never left home) to live with mommy & daddy & is over 25, I would question their maturity and ability to deal with a tough problem at work. They would not be hired, as they are a risk – ie: they would run when the going gets tough at work instead of having some “TRY”.
Life is not easy, & running back home to live with mommy is NOT the answer, ever. Its the easy way out, but you will never grow up doing this.
17 points. Born 1957. Weird.
When I met my now-husband – (this is when I met him, just had begun to date him) it was after he had moved back home to care of Mum. He was in his late 30’s. His mom had developed Alz’s and had recently recovered from a fall that had nearly broken her hip. When I begun to live there with him – my gods!
Taking care of a woman who doesn’t even know her own son is PURE HELL. Every day, I watched him patiently take care of her, cater to her needs 24 hours a day.
Many of these people who go back to live with their parents may be doing it to help their parents, to take care of their parents.
Did you know that in countries other than the US – places like Japan, China, so forth – their kids often do not move out for a long time – the household becomes an extended family household. We had that type of household a long long time ago. Today, no more – it’s now considered immature by many people, such as yourself, Bill Smith.
People who move back in with their parents due to the economy – they aren’t running away from anything. They’re doing a SMART move. Sharing one house with parents can be tough, but rewarding because it saves on costs in many ways. These children often notice something wrong with their parents sooner, which means the parents get taken care of sooner.
I think you’re being narrow-minded in your post. Moving back in with parents is NOT the easy way out.
If you have any children, then I hope they want to take care of you when you become unable to be independent.
I have the highest regard for those who give respect to their parents by taking care of them in their dotage.
Don’t automatically assume that the reason an over-25 person moved back home is just to take the easy way out. Maybe he or she moved back home is to do something that is devastating EVERY single day.
I don’t have any parents anymore, and watching my husband, it tore at my heart, to see his heart break each day. Being a caregiver 24/7 to a parent who no longer knows who you are – I think that’s the worst thing, both emotionally and physically. I wouldn’t even wish that upon any enemy of mine. (I have been through this myself twice.)
If you still have living parents who are still fit both in mind and body – then you are blessed.
TO SKS on November 20, 2010 at 4:23 pm
“When I met my now-husband, his mom had developed Alz’s and had recently recovered from a fall that had nearly broken her hip.”
> Nope, I’m not buying it. If he had any inkling of medicine & of caring about his mother, he would have recognized the symptoms of Alzheimer’s 2-3 years before. Why didn’t he read about Altzheimers beforehand? Its so common, any Adult child should be aware of needing to do that type of reading. Also, where was your husband (before he moved in) in ensuring his mother was being monitored for bone health with dexa scans? Where was he before he moved in in ensuring her household was free of things that might trip her & cause her to fall? Did he have a social worker come in to check her house? He was not practicing preventative medicine that any layperson could do.
Did he take her for doctor’s appointments all the time before he moved in?
Did he read about conditions parents are susceptible to (heart disease, strokes, cholesterol, falls, stopping psychotropic medicines that could cause falls (sleeping pills, benzodiazepines, benadryl, pain pills & the like)?
Moving in with parents does not ensure the ADULT child knows anymore about health issues that the next Joe Blow on the street. Big Deal. He should have been there for her BEFORE he moved in.
“Did you know that in countries other than the US – places like Japan, China, so forth – their kids often do not move out for a long time – the household becomes an extended family household.”
> Fine if you live in those countries. Yes, I am aware of that. But here in the USA, that is not the cultural norm in history. You should learn the culture & history of where you live before statements like that.
“People who move back in with their parents due to the economy – they aren’t running away from anything. They’re doing a SMART move.”
>No, they are running away from responsibility. Grow up & pay your own bills. Per your line of thinking, then, people should not take care of their own health as the government will just pay for it anyway.
When my parents could no longer care for themselves, they moved in with ME, not the other way around. I am perfectly aware of the daily heartache of dealing with someone you love who has major medical problems. This was both sets of parents, my spouse & mine.
This test is terrible. I wouldn’t be surprised if 75% of the US fell into the Gen Y group according to this.
Probably this test is a bit outdated now in 2010?
I scored 17, however, I am not gen Y. I was born in 1971 and didn’t get my first PC until 2001. I got Internet connection at home for the first time in 2003 and almost immediately created a simple website. I had a blog through about 3 years. I bought my first smartphone last year (and quickly took all 11 application screens into use) which allows me to quickly connect to anyone I know through any medium they may have available at the time.
My entire family is in facebook including my parents, step mother, siblings, aunties and uncles and so on. They also all use emails, mailing lists and online photo sharing facilities, upload videos and of course use sms; and it helps keep track of the family whereabouts across geographic boundaries and busy schedules. My grand dad finally bought a PC and got online this year, and he has sent me emails although not long and decorated like his hand written letters. My husband video conference with his parents almost every day via Skype (since they are on the other side of the globe), and I have personally made sure that everybody in my family who I want to talk to occasionally have Skype installed on their computers. My business partner and I collaborate through Google Wave (soon only Google Docs), our teams at uni collaborated long distance through Docs and Skype, and so on. I have been emailing with friend who in 2005 was 86 years old.
However, still do not in any way identify with gen Y.
Most early-mid 20s I know of are not tech savvy despite having grown up more or less constantly virtually wired to friends through their mobiles / online networks. Many who grew up constantly text messaging their friends seem to seem to suffer short attention span and be hyper social in a superficial way and extremely aware of their own image now when they are young adults (possibly young people have always been like that). I think all the hype about gen Ys being tech savvy and fantastic workers is exaggerated and over-advertised.
(Sorry about the typos)
Feels great to be in the Gen Y at 57+….
This was amusing, but its a bogus test. This baby-boomer easily scored 20 points, and would have hit higher had my high productivity not prevented me from spending more time at MySpace and time-consuming (illegal) torrent activity. I don’t have a Wii but my grandma did because they market it to seniors as part of exercise programs.