what is a generation gap 
a generation gap refers to the chasm that separates the beliefs and behaviors belonging to members of different generations this gap often manifests in varying thoughts actions and preferences between younger and older generations differences may exist in politics values pop culture and other areas while generation gaps have been prevalent throughout history they became more pronounced in the 20th and 21st centuries due to rapid technological and social changes demographic change is one of the most significant yet least understood challenges organizations face today understanding generation gapsgeneration gaps play big roles in businesses companies must find ways to balance the needs and views of individuals from different groups to sell to them businesses must also be aware of the changing demographics and genders of their client base which can affect their business cycles and bottom lines the term generation gap was first used in the 1960s when baby boomers born 1946 1964 began diverging from their parents beliefs and opinions sociologists use specific terminology to refer to different generational segments for example generation z born between 1997 and 2012 is known as digital natives because they have grown up with digital technology in contrast older generations are termed digital immigrants as they re generally less comfortable with personal technology use consequently technology companies tailor their marketing strategies differently for each age group generational segments go by other handles the greatest generation is also known as radio babies the silent generation has also been called traditionalists and baby boomers are also known as the me generation 