SM-Generation X

Social media friends are people you probably share information with, share ideas with, and share stories and emotions with. But this all takes place digitally rather than in person.

Which, when you think about it, is just another form of communication. Tons of Millenials and probably post-Millenials (the generation Z to which my children belong) choose messaging apps over calling, hands down. And, you might argue, that they are in more regular contact with their friends (and perhaps relatives) than previous generations. As a member of Generation X – there were no cell phones, no social media, gosh barely any Internet.

When it comes to relationships, social media has created a whole new ball game. We're not talking romantic ones here (that deserves its own novel, book series, library…). We're talking about friendships. It's so easy to stay in contact with friends and even make some new ones through DMs or text messages or "likes," but it can be much harder to have meaningful connections or bonding moments when you're doing it virtually. However, it's important to note that while sending memes back and forth allows for continued contact, investing in friendships on a deeper level is an important part of maintaining positive relationships. When we 'like' something online, we perceive this as feeling connected to the person. However, human connection requires that we invest more deeply than that.

We all have that one friend who is terrible at responding to texts but who you know is looking at their phone because they just liked your Instagram post or tweeted something. Or maybe YOU are that friend. It can be frustrating to be on the receiving end of that, but you've got to be a little patient.

I think it's important to give someone time to answer, and it may require a little bit of patience, as you never know what is going on in their life. I also think everyone has been guilty one time or another of meaning to respond but being sidetracked and forgetting and only realizing later. When that has happened to me and I am waiting for a reply, I will nudge once with a follow-up text a day or so later — but I'd recommend using caution before sending more than one follow-up because, at that point, they have definitely seen your message.

Generation X is one of the many generations that have been separated by psychologists and sociologists from the entire population over the years. Focusing on individual generations as separate "entities" allows for many interesting conclusions - for example, about Internet behavior and shopping preferences.

Generation X - characteristics. Who are its representatives?

We understand generation not only as biological age but above all as a different lifestyle, ways of obtaining information, values, and attitudes. The generation includes people who - according to various sources - were born in the years 1961/65 - 1979/83. So they are the current 40 and 50-year-olds. Their lives were greatly influenced by the time when its representatives grew up. They were united by groundbreaking historical events: in Poland, it was the period of the rise of Solidarity and the fall of communism, and in the United States - the Cold War.

Generation X is one of the many generations that have been separated by psychologists and sociologists from the entire population over the years.

How does generation X behave on the Internet?

Generation X, placed between the so-called Baby Boomers, or Millennials (also known as "Y"), is the last generation that was not born "with a mouse in hand".

What does it mean?

Nothing else but the fact that the childhood and youth of today's 40- and 50-year-olds were not accompanied by computers, not to mention the ubiquitous mobile devices. Therefore, "Iksy" prefer face-to-face relations to contact through modern technologies, and they are less likely to be overloaded with information. However, older media, television and radio are still vividly present in their lives. And what is the ratio of Generation X to the Internet? Generation X treats the Internet primarily as a source of information. "Iksy": follow info on news sites, send and receive e-mails from colleagues and family. They willingly use internet search engines; have a caring attitude towards social media - they are present on portals, but have no problem with being offline; they like online shopping. They are looking for guidance and instructional content as well as product reviews - they are also happy to share their opinion on the purchased items.

Due to the difficult beginnings of their careers, caused by economic changes, members of Generation X took it natural to work hard and climb the career ladder. Today Iksy holds high, well-paid positions, often equating themselves and the company. They have a high sense of duty and responsibility for the tasks entrusted to them. They also appreciate belonging to various types of communities and willingly take part in civic activities.

Being on your smartphone can drain the energy that could've been spent engaging in real-life interactions with your friends or family. Social media is never the prescription for staving off boredom, anxiety, or loneliness. At the end of the day, your favorite people are. Research shows that good friendships are vital to your health. More specifically, having close friendships correlates to functioning better, especially as we get older.