If you’ve been keeping up with the latest trends, you might have heard that individuals born between 1977 and 1983 are labeled as Xennials—an amusing blend of Generation X and Millennials. This group grew up amidst analog technology while transitioning into the digital age. They fondly recall gathering AOL disks, counting down their precious free hours online, and asking, “A/S/L?” in chat rooms. They experienced the thrill of playing Oregon Trail in school and remember the day their family graduated from dial-up internet.
Now, as a proud member of this Xennial cohort, I’ve ushered in three little ones who belong to the Prime Generation. My kids have never experienced a world where instant gratification isn’t just a click away. Coinciding with the Obama Administration and the onset of No. 45’s term, the Prime Generation has had their baby essentials delivered, quite fittingly, through Amazon Prime, complete with two-day shipping. Need a NoseFrida or a Moby Wrap? Amazon Prime has you covered, often arriving at our doorstep faster than you can say, “Where’s the mailman?”
When it comes to acquiring toys or gifts, Amazon is our go-to. Fidget spinners, last-minute birthday presents, you name it—two-day shipping means we’re practically on a first-name basis with our delivery person. But it isn’t just Amazon that keeps my kids entertained. They’ve grown up with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video as well. Initially, I used these services to manage their screen time, avoiding whatever was airing on cable at that moment. I was the “stingy” mom who scrutinized every cartoon. They started with shows like Yo Gabba Gabba! and watched countless dinosaur documentaries that captured their attention. Unlike Xennials, who had to wait for specific shows, my kids can flip through selections at will, often demanding more Spinosaurus content or moving on to something else if they’re not satisfied.
I eventually relented and let them explore a range of cartoons—from Amazon’s original Puffin Rock to classics like Rocko’s Modern Life and Aaahh!!! Real Monsters. They’ve enjoyed modern hits such as Dinotrux and Justice League. The Prime Generation won’t share the collective viewing experience that previous generations had, as they can easily tailor their watchlists to fit their whims. Their viewing habits are also influenced by what my husband and I decide to purchase. We bought one season of Paw Patrol and that’s all, kiddos.
Remarkably, my children have never been exposed to commercials. When they encounter them while watching traditional TV, they’re perplexed. “What’s this?” they ask. “When will our show come back?” While this protects them from the relentless toy advertising we grew up with, it also means they miss out on the quirky local commercials that defined our childhoods—those memorable jingles from car dealerships and ice cream shops. Today, their understanding of local businesses is shaped solely by where their parents choose to shop, often major chains like Target.
Music availability mirrors this trend. We subscribe to Spotify, giving us access to an almost endless library of music, and if something isn’t available, we can usually find it on YouTube. Some days, we listen to Hamilton, while other times they request amusing mashups like “Princess Leia’s Stolen Death Star Plans.” Whatever they desire is just a click away.
When my youngest is in tears, we simply play “Yellow Submarine,” his favorite song, and it works like magic. Imagining what it would have been like for my generation to have had Bluetooth technology at our disposal to play our favorite songs without interruption is mind-blowing.
However, not everyone has access to these conveniences. The Prime Generation’s experiences are contingent on their parents’ financial ability to provide them. Amazon Prime subscriptions, Netflix, and Spotify come with fees that can add up quickly, and not all families can afford these services. According to the Pew Research Center, 13% of Americans are offline, with 19% citing cost as a barrier. Even among smartphone users, about one-third do not utilize them for immediate needs due to financial constraints.
My kids are fortunate, but they are not alone in their experiences. The Prime Generation has largely enjoyed the luxury of instant gratification. Because of this, we must encourage them to slow down and embrace life outside of screens. They need to engage in local parades, hike through nature trails, swim during summer afternoons, and enjoy unplugged time. While technology plays a vital role in their upbringing, it’s essential they also experience boredom, creativity, and the joys of free play. But will we provide enough opportunities for them to step back from the hustle and bustle?
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In summary, the Prime Generation is growing up in a world of immediate access to information and entertainment, shaped by their Xennial parents’ experiences. While they benefit from technology, it’s crucial to ensure they also have the chance to experience the world beyond screens.