Dear Pew Research Center,

 

We, the undersigned, respectfully present a detailed response to the criteria mentioned in your article defining generations, particularly regarding the inclusion of the birth years 1995 and 1996 in Generation Z. People born in 1995 and 1996 are being misrepresented, as these years belong to Generation Z, not Millennials.

 

We believe that Pew plays a dominant role in shaping public opinion. Unfortunately, the 2019 article titled “Defining generations: Where Millennials end and Generation Z begins” has had severe consequences. We have faced aggressive attacks whenever we identify ourselves as Gen Z, including cyberbullying and blackmail.

 

We attempted to educate people on the arbitrariness of these labels, emphasizing your statement that “it is not an exact science.” Despite our efforts, the hate and abuse persist.

 

Our argument below summarizes our concerns regarding the events used to define Millennials:

 

1. 9/11:

1995 and 1996 babies were young kindergarten children aged 5-6, as they either do not remember at all or have a vague memory. Late 1990s babies (1997-1999) are not different, they also split into two groups when it comes to remembering 9/11. This raises questions about the consistency of criteria. Not having at least 75% of us that remember the event is questionable. Moreover, 1995-1999 all were not old enough to comprehend even if they remember and according to psychology a 6 year old cannot always differentiate reality from fiction. At court, a 6 year old is deemed incapable of grasping the complexities presented in a crime. Therefore, people born in 1995 and 1996 could not possibly understand the profound impact of events like 9/11 and compare the world before and after the event. To say a 6 year old is part of the Millennial generation because some remember the event is not only inaccurate but also contradicts the accepted understanding of cognitive capabilities at such a young age.

 

2. Iraq and Afghanistan Wars:

The use of wars that did not occur in the United States, to define generations raises concerns, especially considering the age differences, with 1995 being too young to care. It underscores the inconsistency in using such events to shape generational boundaries.

 

3. 2008 Election:

Individuals born in 1995 and 1996 were 12 and 13. At that age, we were closer to childhood than adulthood, and our involvement or impact on this event is nothing. 1995 babies’ biggest and first political event is voting for Trump in 2016. We did not even vote for Obama, which is a historical moment for the generations that voted for him.

 

4. Economic Recession:

Contrary to the argument that 1995 and 1996 entered the workforce during the recession, our entry into the workforce was around the COVID-19 pandemic, not the recession. The economic challenges faced by Millennials does not align with our experiences.

 

5. Technology and Internet Adoption:

The statement about the unique experience of Gen Z with the internet, computers, and television from the start applies equally to those born in 1995 and 1996. The launch of the iPhone in 2007, when the oldest of 1997 was 10, which does not create a significant distinction from a 12 year old, whereas the oldest millennial was 26. Social media and technological advancements occurred during our formative years. We do not know the world without mobile phones, internet, and social connection. We witnessed the rise of smartphones and social media at a very early age. In other words we were completely shaped by technology and fit perfectly with your Generation Z definition.

 

In light of these considerations, we kindly request that the Pew Research Center revisits and considers a revised generational classification, acknowledging the unique experiences of those born in 1995 and 1996.

 

We appreciate your dedication to accurate demographic analysis and believe that this adjustment will better reflect the shared experiences and characteristics of our cohort.

 

Thank you for your time and consideration of our petition.

 

Sincerely,