Zoomer

Zoomer is a colloquial term used to describe members of Generation Z, the cohort following Millennials. The label is most common in English-language media and online discourse and is sometimes used by young people themselves. Birth years for Zoomers are typically placed from the mid-to-late 1990s through the early 2010s.

Origins and usage: The term blends Gen Z with the suffix -er, in a pattern similar to boomer for Baby Boomers. Since the 2010s it has appeared in journalism, memes, and social media as a shorthand for a broad generational identity.

Characteristics: Zoomers are often described as digital natives who grew up with the internet, smartphones, and social media. They tend to consume media across platforms, favor short-form video, and value authenticity and inclusivity. They are frequently associated with heightened awareness of climate change, social justice, and mental health issues, as well as varied family and cultural backgrounds.

Societal context: As they enter higher education and the job market, Zoomers face economic conditions that influence their work expectations, such as flexibility and purpose-driven employment. They show diverse viewpoints and a range of political attitudes, often more progressive on social issues in many regions than earlier generations.

Criticism and debates: The label Zoomer, like Gen Z labels in general, is a broad social categorization. Critics argue that generational boundaries are fuzzy and that stereotypes can obscure individual differences.