Part 2: How Different Generations Prefer to Receive Information*

The way a person or generation of people receive information is very different today than it was 25, 50, or 100 years ago. The increased use and availability of technology, from computers to cell phones has made the access to information easier for most people. However, not every person or people within every generation are as open to receiving their information through a device. How we provide and present information in a way that every generation will understand can be challenging. But if we take the time to learn the differences, we can be a better communicator in our classrooms, schools, districts, and school communities.  

Let’s start with the fact that no matter which generation we are working with or which generations we are working with, we should always be respectful of the people in those generations. So in this post let’s discuss the way each of the five current generations like to receive information. 

​Here is a breakdown of how different generations prefer to receive information:
Silent Generation 

• This generation ranges in age from approximately 95 years old to 78 years old. 
  
• The information they received while growing up was scarce and limited. It was often in a formal format, such as newspapers or radio. As a result, the silent generation likes to receive information in a logical, easy to read/understand and well-organized way. They expect the information to have good grammar and they expect the use of formal titles. 
  
• Ideally, the silent generation would like to receive information in person or by paper. Face-to-face interaction is of great value to this generation but avoid using educational jargon with them.
  

Baby Boomers

• This generation ranges in age from approximately 77 years old to 59 years old. 
  
• They grew up in a time of great social and technological change. Remember,  this is the generation that saw the moon landing and then they gave us the Apple II personal computer. 
  
• Baby boomers still prefer their information in a more formal format but they are less informal than the Silent Generation. For example, they are less concerned about formal titles. 
  
• They want information presented in a manner that is relevant to their own experiences. 
  
• They are somewhat comfortable with digital information, but, like the generation before them, they still prefer to receive information in person.
  

Generation X

• This generation ranges in age from approximately 58 years old to 43 years old. 
  
• They grew up in the age of technology where information transitioned from paper to digital. This generation saw the first home computers and were part of the growth of cell phones, the internet, and email. This was also the first “gamer” generation with the likes of Atari and Intellivision!
  
• They are accustomed to and expect to receive information quickly, concisely, and in a straightforward way.
  
• This generation wants information presented that is relevant to their own interests. 
  
• They are mostly comfortable with digital information, but Generation X still prefers to receive information in person, like the generation before them.
  

Millennials

• This generation ranges in age from approximately 42 years old to 27 years old. 
  
• Millennials are the generation we are referring to when we say someone is a digital native. 
  
• They are accustomed to receiving information quickly, concisely, and visually appealing. This generation is more visually oriented (because of its experience growing up with digital devices) and prefers visuals to illustrate a point. 
  
• This generation appreciates information in a short and concise manner that is relevant to their own lives, personalized, and authentic. 
  
• They are completely comfortable with digital information, having been raised on it, and they prefer to receive information in this format. 
  
• When digitally formatting information be sure to do so in a way that addresses multiple devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones) for this generation as you can never be sure which device they will see what you have provided to them.
  

Generation Z 

• This generation ranges in age from 26 years old to 14 years old.
  
• This generation was raised on and predominantly knows information in a digital format. They spend vast amounts of time on a digital device each day. 
  
• Gen Z is accustomed to and expects to receive information quickly, concisely and  and visually appealing. This generation is also more visually oriented and prefers visuals to illustrate a point. 
  
• They appreciate being presented with information in a short and concise manner  that is relevant to their own lives. 
  
• They want, not prefer, information in a digital format.
  
• Just like with millennials, when digitally formatting information be sure to do so in a way that addresses multiple devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones) for this generation as you can never be sure which device they will see what you have provided to them. 
  

The way we communicate with each generation can be tailored to their unique needs and expectations. Each generation we interact with grew up in different circumstances, with different resources for receiving information. By taking the time to understand how each generation prefers to receive information, we can be better communicators within our school communities.

​*This is a series of blog posts on generational differences by Scott Rocco who presents and provides Keynotes on generational differences, hiring different generations, and the funny things about generations interacting with each other. Contact us at evolving@evolvingeducators.com to schedule Scott for a conference or training.