From the Silent Generation to baby boomers and millennials, we are all categorized as a generation based on our birth year. Those born between 1965 and 1980 are part of Generation X, which is a badge of honor for many.
But not everyone wants to make their age public knowledge—and most of us were told never to ask it. That doesn't mean it's impossible to know what generation someone fits into, because when it comes to Gen Xers, there are telltale signs.
Newsweek asked the generative AI tool ChatGPT for some clues, with the following prompt: "Tell me 10 ways I would be able to tell if someone is from Generation X. In your response, please consider factors ranging from social indicators, fashion, entertainment, language use and media consumption."
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10 Ways You Will Known if Someone Is Generation X
ChatGPT proposed a list of signs ranging from a person's style, the music they listen to and even how they respond to technology. Newsweek has listed them below:
1. Nostalgia for 1980s and 1990s Pop Culture
Entertainment References: They often reference classic TV shows like Friends, The X-Files and Seinfeld, and movies such as The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Pulp Fiction.
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Music Preferences: They might have a deep appreciation for grunge bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, or alternative bands like R.E.M. and The Cure. Hip-hop from the '90s, like Tupac, Biggie and early Jay-Z, also resonates with them.
2. Preference for Analog Media
Physical Formats: Gen Xers may still have a fondness for vinyl records, cassette tapes or even VHS. They appreciate the tangible aspect of media, like flipping through an old photo album instead of scrolling through digital photos.
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3. Independent and Self-Reliant Attitude
DIY Ethos: Generation X values independence, likely influenced by their experience of being latchkey kids (school-age children left unsupervised at home for some part of the day). They may display a strong do-it-yourself mentality, whether it's in home improvement, car repair or learning new skills.
4. Cynical Sense of Humor
Sarcasm and Irony: Gen X is known for a certain level of cynicism and irony in their humor. They grew up during a time of economic and political change, which shaped their outlook to be more skeptical and sarcastic.
5. Fashion Throwbacks
Grunge or '90s Fashion: You might notice a fondness for flannel shirts, Doc Martens, leather jackets or band tees. They might incorporate these elements into their current wardrobe as a nod to their youth.
6. Language and Communication Style
Slang Usage: They might use phrases like "whatever," "totally," "cool," or "dude" naturally in conversation. They may also roll their eyes at newer slang like "lit" or "yeet."
Communication Preferences: Gen Xers are comfortable with both analog and digital communication but may prefer phone calls or emails over text messaging for more meaningful conversations.
7. Technology Adaptation
Digital Immigrants: While they are tech-savvy, having adapted to the digital age, they may still exhibit a degree of caution or skepticism toward new technology. They might fondly remember the time before smartphones and social media dominated everyday life.
8. Media Consumption Habits
Traditional Media: Gen Xers might still consume traditional media like newspapers, magazines and cable TV. They are likely to enjoy reruns of their favorite old shows or listen to classic rock or '90s playlists on the radio.
9. Work Ethic and Career Outlook
Balanced Approach: They value work-life balance, a reaction to the burnout often seen in the baby boomer generation. Gen Xers typically appreciate stability but also value flexibility, having witnessed economic recessions and corporate downsizing in their formative years.
10. Political and Social Awareness
Skeptical Yet Pragmatic: Politically, they may lean toward centrist or independent viewpoints, often skeptical of extreme ideologies. Having grown up during the Cold War and various social upheavals, they tend to be pragmatic and open-minded but are not easily swayed by trends.
What Does an Actual Gen Xer Think?
While it certainly isn't an exact science, ChatGPT suggests that these signs give you "a strong sense" of whether a person is part of Gen X. The range of identifying factors reflect the "unique experiences and cultural influences" that have shaped the generation.
As a Gen X woman herself, and founder of the global Facebook community Gen X Girls Grow Up, Erin Mantz knows a thing or two about spotting the generation. She told Newsweek that much of what ChatGPT suggests rings true, adding that they tend to be "resourceful, patient and flexible."
Part of the charm that gives Gen X these characteristics was growing up before the technological boom and having to use their own resolve to get what they wanted, according to Mantz.
"We lived without technology to give us instant gratification," Mantz, the vice president of employee engagement at Zeno Group said.
"We are patient because we used to stand in line for movies, camped out for concert tickets, waited for our favorite songs to come on the radio. We also waited for our turn to use a landline or pay phone until others were done."
Whereas other generations often seek help from others, Mantz says Gen X will "just take action" to do it by themselves. If you want something done right, you should do it yourself, as they always say.
Of course, times have undoubtedly changed, and Gen X has had to adapt to avoid being left behind like boomers. Mantz says that Gen X has learned to understand modern technology for the most part, but the signs are still there.
"We may be holding a pen during a Zoom or Teams call, and some of us still write notes by hand," Mantz joked.
"I think where our skepticism isn't about how to use something, but about why. We often think older ways are better or more efficient. For example, some of us prefer email rather than 200 Teams messages throughout the workday."
ChatGPT and Mantz agree that a common trope of Gen X is that they're cynical. While Mantz doesn't agree with this negative perception, she's glad that her generation doesn't have the worst reputation of them all.
She told Newsweek: "I used to think we got the worst rap, but now I think millennials may have it worse."
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