Generation Y and Instant Gratification

This is an interesting topic to me not only because I am a member of Generation Y, but because I have experienced and seen the idea of instant gratification with students I work with currently and from social interaction.  This is becoming a huge topic and also a barrier as more and more Generation Y members make their way into the workforce.

There is all this talk about Generation Y wanting instant gratification, but my questions is why?

Most of us know that Generation Y (born 1977 -1994) is one of major targets for marketers, 1) because they make up about 20% of today’s population and 2) they are now entering the job market and earning income  and  3) the younger members of Generation Y still have an influence on their parents’ spending.  They are largest generation since the baby boomers so it is said that they will have a huge social and economic impact.

So my question again is why does Generation Y expect instant gratification?

If we think about it, this population is very unique because they are experiencing more changes in comparison to other generations. They are very independent, adaptability, technologically savvy, multi-taskers and can grasp new concepts like no other.  They are risk takers and not afraid of hard work.  They want to work better and faster then everyone else so being competitive is in their nature.

Generation Y expects instant gratification because it is the idea they know best. They were raised in a world full of technology from PDA phones, internet, email and iPods where everything is at the tip of their fingers and ever-changing. They expect this idea in their careers as well. They want to start at the top or at least be climbing the corporate ladder within the first year.  They know the idea of proving their worth but only want to commit to this for a limited time. Everything in their life is fast pace from working full-time and possible being parents at the same time while still finding time to make it to association meetings and be social. They are queens and kings of doing a million and one thing at once.

Generation Y is also the group of kids whose parents inspired them to make their dreams a reality while reminding them every day that they can do anything they put their mind to. The parents of Generation Y also encourage them to make better and wiser decisions so that they can more success than they once were as a young adult.  This is also the generation who entered the higher education systems with a huge dream, but failed to consider the steps it takes to get to reach that dream.

Could this be the answer to why Generation Y expects instant gratification?

 

 

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