The word Generation X was invented by noted scholars Charles Hamblett and Jabe Deverson in 1965 and later became synonymous with the new breed of video literate, socially ambivalent teenagers who came into adulthood in the 80's.
The word also started a lineage of demographic terminologies. We got Gen Y, then Gen Z (as in Generation 0 aka "the Millennials"). Now there's a whole new demographic term that trumps them all -- Gen V.
It sounds like they are going backwards in the alphabet, but for good reason. The 'V' does not stand for Vendetta. It represents a new era of consumers that cannot be defined by age, gender, social class or geography. These are the consumers of the Virtual age. Yes that 'V' stands for Virtual.
Gen V consumers, according to a recent report by marketing firm Gartner, fall into four categories and are brought together by their increasing preference for the use of digital media channels to discover information, build knowledge and share insights. The breakdown is as follows:
THE CREATORS - 3% of total online population
THE CONTRIBUTORS - 7% (for fellow Trend Hunters, that's us)
THE OPPORTUNISTS - 10%
THE LURKERS - 80%
Gen V will change the face of marketing as we know it, adapting to constantly changing technology platforms and new content genres.
BTW that photo is a 3D digital scan of Thom York's face from the new Radiohead video. Talk about new media..
Demographic Terminologies
Gen V
Trend Themes
1. Digital Media Consumption - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new platforms and content genres tailored to Gen V consumers' preference for digital media channels.
2. Demographic Flexibility - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create marketing strategies that transcend traditional demographic categories and target Gen V consumers based on their behavior and preferences.
3. Virtual Age Consumers - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore innovative ways to engage with Gen V consumers who prioritize virtual experiences and interactions.
Industry Implications
1. Marketing and Advertising - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Embrace new marketing tactics and strategies to effectively reach and engage Gen V consumers.
2. Digital Content Creation - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop cutting-edge digital content formats and platforms that resonate with Gen V consumers' preferences.
3. Technology and Media - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Continuously adapt and evolve technology and media platforms to meet the changing needs and behaviors of Gen V consumers.