What generation are you when it comes to AI? Future Festival breaks it down in Miami

Grandpa struggles to use his iPhone until his Millennial granddaughter shows him the ropes. A Gen Z boy tells his mother that he gets his only news every day from social media influencers.

Describing age groups by their technology prowess has long been a thing. But a new report from a company that tracks trends shows that in the age of AI, each group has its own use and needs, and is embracing it in different ways.

That was part of the message at the Future Festival Miami Innovation Conference in Miami on Feb. 25-26. About 100 technologists, brand managers and executives gathered to hear passionate talk about how artificial intelligence will affect consumer trends.

The two-day event at The Climate & Innovation Hub Miami in Little Haiti was organized by Trend Hunter, a company that uses AI to uncover consumer trends and patterns. McClatchy, the parent company of the Miami Herald, recently acquired Trend Hunter.

While we may think of age groups by the traditional names — Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z — Trend Hunter splits the generations even further.

Here’s a look at the generational breakdowns from Armida Ascano, chief content officer at Trend Hunter:

Baby Boomers

Baby Boomers are the original hippies and yuppies. They value independence and individuality

This group seeks technology that boosts productivity and a sense of community. For example, 44% of Baby Boomers said during the pandemic they felt more connected to friends and family because of tech. But they’re “not impressed” by the novelty of new technology. They just care whether it makes their lives easier.

Examples include Baby Boomer Influencer Houses, a way brands get boomers to do their marketing on social media, grandparent-specific investment apps, family Zoom cooking lessons, retirement community online platforms, Boomer-specific e-commerce platforms

▪ Leading Boomers

Born: 1945-1955

Current age: 70 to 80 years old

Best use of AI: Keeping connected to community

▪ Neo Boomers

Born: 1955-1965

Current age: 60 to 70

Best use of AI: Increased independence

Gen X

They are the original latchkey kids but also ushered in the concept of life-work balance. They have a high work ethic and family focus.

About 60% are stressed about having to take care of their parents, themselves or spouses, and their kids. In the workplace, Gen X has double the stress score of Gen Z.

Retailers like Lowe’s have age-friendly apps, Walmart has introduced several tools including an AI shopping assistant to answer questions in a conversational style and Grandie has an AI chatbot, a feature of Grandpad.

▪ Gen XS

Born: 1965-1972

Current age: 53 to 60

Best use of AI: Better multitasking

More Findings: Gen XS “is advocating for AI as a way to enable efficiency but they might be the only senior leaders who do not see AI as a threat.” They are key to getting larger “buy-in” for AI

▪ Gen Xenos

Born: 1973-1980

Current age: 45 to 52

Best use of AI: Professional and personal up-skilling

Millennials

They’re known for prioritizing mental health and having an “aspirational approach” to adulthood, or not being keen to wait their turn. About 65% would like to use social media less often.

In and out of the workplace, Millennials “don’t want AI to act human but to help them stay connected to their humanity.” AI if used right could help them reduce screen time. “AI gives us less tech time if used correctly.”

Examples include The Havivi Bubblepal (AI bot for kids), SimpleChore (AI organizer for chores), Mobile ALOHA (open-source housekeeping bot), and IKEA vs Kreativ (augmented reality customer service app).

This group wants to reduce their screen time but “it’s also a soothing mechanism they can’t quit.” Younger Millennials check their phones about 150 times per day.

▪ Pro Millennial

Born: 1980-1987

Current age: 38 to 44

Best use of AI: Reduced screen time for their kids

Findings: They’re trying to raise self-aware kids who aren’t reliant on technology — while also equipping them for the future by giving them the right tech tools.

▪ Mid Millennial

Born: 1988-1995

Current ages: 30 to 37

Best use of AI: Reduced screen time for better work-life balance

▪ Nouveau Millennial

Born: 1995-1998

Current ages: 25 to 30

Best use of AI: Reduced screen time so they can reduce stress

Gen Z

They often opt for flip phones as the “dumb phone” movement gains popularity.

“Technology is inherent and intuitive to this generation” and it’s how they socialize.

They are the first generation to enter the world with AI the standard. About 54% are on social media for at least four hours a day while 60% are using ChatGPT in everyday life and about 64% have used in school

They don’t overthink it. AI is an invisible agent helping improve their lives. “For this generation, it’s not a matter of whether or not to use AI at work or school, but whether they need to hide their use of AI from managers or professors.”

▪ Zillennial

Born: 1999-2009

Current ages: 15 to 25

Best use of AI: Consult them on best use of AI in the workplace

▪ Z Tribe

Born: 2009-2019

Current ages: 5 to 15

Best Use of AI: It’s already omnipresent for them. They need AI that implements balance.

▪ Z Alpha

Born: 2019-today

Current ages: 0 to 5

Best use of AI: Help society prepare for the kids of the AI era