It’s To Be Expected...
Many of the stereotypes made about Generation Y are frighteningly accurate and dead on. It is true that many people our age have switched to a more technological based lifestyle. So, yes, I was scared when I first listened to the podcast because Jesse Hemple and John Byrne were dead on about how social networks were the new thing and “my people” were now living a life where face-to-face contact wasn’t always necessary. Now, I can honestly say that I think many people my age are like this, but even if they are like this...isn’t it to be expected? These things that we are now doing are so much more convenient that it would only make sense to utilize the technology that we have. But let me ask you this, isn’t this the case in EVERY generation? New innovative products, services, and methods come out that make life so much easier so people adjust their lifestyles to reap the benefits. I find myself doing the following things that I say have come about due to advancements in technology. See if you can relate:
1. I do a lot more of my shopping online versus going to actual retail stores
2. If I’m not pressed for time I opt to text/instant message/leave comments/write e-mails to my friends online versus calling them
3. I don’t worry about missing a TV show on its aired night anymore because I can easily watch the same show online at a more convenient time
4. I do almost all my electronic research online before going to the store versus asking the salesmen for their advice and their product knowledge
5. I play board games such as Scrabble, Monopoly, and Pictionary online with my friends instead of hosting a game night at my house
Generation Y has embraced the new technological advancements, but I can fend for Generation X and say that they have adapted to our craze as well. My mom who is 48 years old (I hope she doesn’t read this and realizes that I gave out her real age) e-mails, texts, and video chats with me all the time. Even my friends' grandparents use the internet religiously and send out e-mails and webcam like CRAZY!
The “Generation Y” article also mentions how Generation Yers are jaded by traditional forms or marketing. Again, I feel like this belief is to be expected. Any innovative, over the top, and NEW way of marketing captures the interests of ALL generations. Not too long ago, 3-D sidewalk art became a huge thing and many companies turned to artists to get their products out there and drawn on sidewalks. I don’t know a single person, no matter the age, that wasn’t impressed.
 
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I’m Just a Little Above Average
Even though I know that I have hit the technology bug hard, I would still say that I don’t necessarily hit all the stereotypes that the “Generation Y” article mentions. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest) of how closely I relate to Generation Y, I would say that I rank at a 7.0. I lose a lot of points just because I don’t have a myspace and because I still wear a lot of Levis and Nike products. However, the majority of my "above the average rank" is based off the fact that I rely so heavily on technology as mentioned in the above paragraph.
One good point that the “Generation Y” makes is that Generation Yers don’t rely heavily on celebrity endorsements any longer. I can agree with this for I have become a very skeptical person when it comes to celebrity endorsers. For example, celebrities doing commercials for acne products with flawless skin hardly seem believable because I know that a magical thing called airbrushing exists! Instead, I turn to online forums where average people who have tried the product write about their experiences. I trust the words and opinions of those that aren’t getting paid to talk about a product.
 
What Should and Can Marketers Do to Captivate Me?
This is an easy question. Go where the target is moving to. I already see it happening all over my Facebook and iGoogle homepage. Ads are placed strategically on the top and sides of my internet websites. Websites like these are keeping up with Generation Y who have become accustomed to ignoring colorful banner ads. They are making the ads blend in more so that their pages look more attractive and people are not afraid to click on the links because they do not look like a trap. Although the plain ads don't always capture my attention, I like having the option to look over at the advertisements when I want. Not only that, but the ads always seem to know exactly what I'm looking for. For instance, I was looking for a new apartment a couple of weeks ago. I clicked on ONE ad and after that, my ads on my facebooks were always for apartment searching companies. It was really helpful to have so many real estate agents to choose from and I ended up finding a place, so...YAY for me!!!
I wrote earlier that I watch a lot of my TV shows online now. That means that I skip out on a WHOLE bunch of commercials. I think that sponsors should include their ads all over the webpage where TV shows are being broadcasted online. I know that the majority of TV shows online are cut up into segments with short commercials in between. Currently, the commercials range from 15-30 seconds (the ones I have seen) so I think that sponsors should put more than just one commercial on in order to get more exposure. These people watching the shows online are mainly doing it because they missed the normal airing on public television and they are watching it at their own convenience. It’s not like they are going to refuse to watch the show online just because there are two commercials shown instead of one in between the segments.
So, yes, I am a Generation Yer but I'm ready for any new changes that come my way. The question is, are you ready for the changes? Let me know your thoughts! |
posted by
TunabeREAL at 
Tina - This is a great post. Really great content, well-written, and even well-organized. I really liked your point about how generations really are not so different in their need and ability to create new... well, stuff, for lack of a better word and in an attempt to sum it all up.