Why Generational Labels Don’t Actually Describe How We Behave
We’re obsessed with generational labels.
Gen Z. Millennials. Boomers.
We use them to explain behavior, culture, preferences, even personality. But the more I reflect on my own experiences, the more I realize how limiting these labels really are.
Because depending on the moment, I don’t belong to just one generation I belong to several.
Generational Identity Is Fluid, Not Fixed
There are times when I genuinely feel like a teenager.
I’ll send trendy digital stickers called Comeau to my family and friends. In those moments, I’m fully participating in the language of modern digital culture. It’s expressive, playful, and constantly evolving.
Then there are other moments when I strongly identify with millennial culture.
Brunch
Avocado toast
Coffee
Burritos
These are often framed as “millennial things,” but they’ve long escaped the boundaries of one age group. Cultural behaviors spread quickly. What starts as generational becomes universal.
That’s why trying to define people by a single label doesn’t work. Behavior changes depending on context, mood, and environment, not birth year.
When Old Habits Suddenly Feel Ancient
I also remember a time when answering the phone without knowing who was calling was completely normal.
No caller ID
No hesitation
You just picked up
Today, that behavior feels almost foreign. An unknown number now triggers suspicion, not curiosity. That shift didn’t happen because a new generation showed up; it happened because technology changed the rules.
Our relationship with communication has evolved, and it’s evolved for everyone.
Culture Shapes Behavior as Much as Age
Generational analysis becomes even more complicated when you factor in culture.
I grew up with East Indian parents who would listen in on phone calls. Privacy was optional. That experience shaped how I think about communication, technology, and boundaries in a way that has nothing to do with generational identity.
Culture, family dynamics, and upbringing play a massive role in how we interact with technology often more than age ever could.
Why I’m Skeptical of Generational Labels
This is why I struggle with rigid generational categories.
They’re convenient, but they oversimplify reality. Human behavior isn’t segmented cleanly by decades. It’s layered, overlapping, and constantly evolving.
When we rely too heavily on generational stereotypes, we miss the nuance of how people actually live, communicate, and adapt.
Technology Is the Real Driver of Change
If there’s one force shaping behavior across all age groups, it’s technology.
Technology changes:
How we communicate
How we socialize
How we consume culture
And it does this regardless of generation.
The impact is universal. Whether you’re young or old, technology is influencing your habits, mindset, and expectations. Adaptation isn’t generational, it's human.
A Better Way to Understand People
Instead of asking, “What generation are you?”
We should be asking:
How do you interact with technology?
What cultural experiences shaped you?
How do your behaviors shift depending on context?
Because the truth is, most of us borrow traits from multiple generations at once.
And that’s not a contradiction, it's reality.
Final Thoughts: Observe Behavior, Not Birth Years
If you want better insights whether in business, marketing, or leadership, shift your lens.
Watch what people do.
Notice how technology changes habits.
Study adoption, not assumptions.
Because in a world of constant change, we’re all evolving together labels or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are generational labels used for?
Generational labels are used to group people by age to understand trends, behavior, and preferences. They are often used in marketing, research, and media, but they give a high-level view and may not reflect individual or cultural differences.
Q2. Why do people question generational labels today?
People question generational labels because technology and culture change too fast. Many behaviors once tied to age are now shared across all groups, making age-based assumptions less accurate in the modern world.
Q3. Why do generations think differently?
Generations think differently because they grow up in different social, economic, cultural, and technological environments. Events, technology, and values present during formative years shape how people see the world. However, personal experiences and culture often influence thinking as much as age does.
Q4. How does technology reduce generational gaps?
Technology creates shared experiences across ages. Social media, smartphones, and apps influence how people communicate and consume content, making behaviors more similar across generations than in the past.
Q5. What is the future of generational thinking?
The future is less about age labels and more about understanding behavior, mindset, and adaptability. As technology evolves, shared experiences will matter more than generational categories.
About the Author:
Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.