What Drives The Zoomers?

Here's a short story that differentiates the sensibilities of three generations: Three guys-a Boomer, a Millennial, and a Zoomer-are stranded on a desert island.

- Raju Chellam

The Boomer says: "Let's build a raft and sail off this island." The Millennial retorts: "No way! Let's start a fire and signal for help." The Zoomer smiles. "I have a satellite phone," he says. "Why don't we perform a dance? I'll direct, edit, and upload it on TikTok and Instagram Reels. I hope someone sees it and sends a rescue team."

The Boomer and Millennial look at each other in confusion, but agree to dance, since that's the easiest thing to do. They spend the next few hours practicing their moves and editing the video. The Zoomer uploads it; it goes viral. The very next day, a helicopter search team rescues the trio.

Confused, the Boomer says: "I don't understand this new generation." Relieved, the Millennial replies: "It got us off the island, didn't it?" The Zoomer kid smiles smugly: "Hashtag survival skills."

If you don't understand the Zoomer, don't fret, many don't. Zoomers (or Gen Z) are broadly defined as being born between 1997 and 2010. They're sandwiched between Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) and Gen Alpha (born between 2010 and 2023). Gen X (born between 1965 and 1980) came before the Millennials and were preceded by the Boomers (1946 and 1964). I'm a Boomer.

ZANY ZOOMERS

Why bother about Zoomers? Because they're the true digital natives, the first generation to have grown up with access to the Internet and portable digital tech. Unlike the Boomers and Millennials, Zoomers do things at a more leisurely pace, have lower rates of teenage pregnancies, consume alcohol less often but experiment with newer drugs, and are more invested in saving the Earth's environment.