It's time to recognize: Zillennials are the true Gen Zs

The Generational Divide: Why Zillennials Are the Last of the "Normal" Generation

There’s a growing sense that Gen Z is the worst generation. If this idea feels familiar, it’s because it’s not new. Just over a decade ago, Millennials were the target of similar criticism, with headlines like “Generation Wuss” and “Snowflake Generation: Why Millennials Are Too Soft and Who’s to Blame.” It seems like every generation has its share of critics, and older generations have been pointing fingers at youth since time immemorial. Even Aristotle, in 4 BC, noted that young people think they know everything and are always quite sure about it—though he probably wasn’t referring to AI chatbots.

But I’m not just some grumpy older person ranting online. I’m part of a unique group known as Zillennials—those born between 1993 and 1998. We’re the last generation that can truly understand Gen Z, yet we also have enough distance from their experiences to see how different things are now. We’re the ones who caught the last helicopter out of TikTok, so to speak.

The Impact of the Pandemic on Gen Z

One of the biggest differences between Zillennials and Gen Z lies in the pandemic. Those born in 1997 or 1998, for example, were among the last to experience university without the restrictions of lockdowns. They had the chance to live in dorms, attend in-person classes, and build real-world connections. Meanwhile, younger Gen Z members faced closed clubs, online seminars, and pre-drinks in quarantined halls—all while paying high tuition fees. No wonder they struggle with social norms like drinking. They were essentially learning by trial and error, with no guidance from those who came before them.

The Influence of Previous Generations

Zillennials also benefited from the progress made by Millennials. Body positivity, sex positivity, and fourth-wave feminism were gaining momentum during our formative years. We were the beneficiaries of the cultural shifts that Millennials fought for, even though they often bore the brunt of criticism. In contrast, Gen Z is growing up in a world where conservative values are resurging, and figures like Donald Trump and Andrew Tate are seen as role models.

The Role of Technology in Shaping Behavior

Another major difference is the impact of technology. Zillennials were the last generation to grow up without front-facing cameras. When the iPhone 4 launched in 2010, selfies and FaceTime became the norm. Today, children don’t hold phones to their ears—they hold them up to show their faces. This shift has influenced how Gen Z interacts with the world, making them more self-conscious and image-focused.

Additionally, the rise of generative AI is having a profound effect on Gen Z. A study by MIT found that students using ChatGPT showed lower brain engagement and underperformed in linguistic and behavioral tasks. With 92% of students expected to use AI by 2025, there's concern that Gen Z is becoming increasingly reliant on technology, which may be affecting their critical thinking and creativity.

Political Awareness and Social Responsibility

Politics is another area where Zillennials and Gen Z differ. For many Zillennials, the first time they could vote was during the Brexit referendum in 2016, an event marked by misleading information and questionable claims. Soon after, Donald Trump’s election further shifted the political landscape into a “post-truth” era. Gen Z, however, has never experienced a time when politics felt stable or transparent. Their understanding of democracy is shaped by misinformation and uncertainty.

The Last Normal Generation

So, what makes Zillennials unique? We’re the last generation to experience a relatively normal childhood, with real-world interactions, clear social norms, and a sense of stability. While Gen Z is navigating a world filled with challenges—rising costs, limited job opportunities, and a culture of self-obsession—we’ve already seen the changes that come with being part of a rapidly evolving society.

As someone born in 1998, I feel the divide more than ever. I’m grateful to have been born just one year earlier, because I’m starting to think that being a lower-end Gen Z might actually be a curse. We Zillennials are the last of the "normal" generation, and as the world continues to change, it’s clear that our time as the "sane" generation is coming to an end.