generational gap

n. Generational differences due to life-cycle changes associated with aging or to historical and socialization experiences between birth cohorts have been around since antiquity, but it was not until the 1960s that the term genera^onal gap became prominent. Rock music, long hair, marijuana, premarital sex, and student protests against the Vietnam War that were popular among baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) alarmed the “silent generation” (born between 1929 and 1945). Later, boomers were at odds with their juniors (Generation X), who thought boomers had “sold out” their youthful ideals of the 1960s. The next upcoming birth cohort, Generation Y (born between 1978 and 1994), is marked by its computer savvy, adept access to digital information, and self-absorption in the cyber culture. As these computer-mediated activities and lifestyle habits are often segregated from their elders, feelings of mystery mixed with suspicion among the latter may lead to another generation gap.

- SHN