Les définitions proposées par Forrester

Gen Y: 1980-1991. This group started spending money in the mobile era -- it's still their defining characteristic. Mobile texting, making party plans on the fly while out, carrying their identity around in their phones, that's Gen Y. They don't think twice, they just do it. This group would love to use social media at work, but mobile's good enough for now thank you very much. They are 50% more likely to text while at work as Gen X (51% versus 36%.) As far as showing the rest of us the path forward, it's probably leading by example at this point in their careers.

Gen X: 1966-1979. This group grew up in the broadband Internet era, but they are picking up quickly on mobile (and they have a ton more money to spend on gadgets). Gen X loves technology that helps them be independent. Very practical, this group will spend on digtal stuff that improves life. And that includes in their management positions at work. But they still have on average only 7 people reporting to them, half as many as Younger Boomers do.

Younger Boomers: 1956-1965. This group grew up in the PC era (also the cable TV era!). You can't think of Boomers as one generation, because Younger Boomers are way different from Older Boomers when it comes to the Internet, social media, and particularly mobile. For example, Younger Boomers are three times as likely as Older Boomers to visit social networks while at work (14% versus 5%). As much as I hate to admit it, I'm in this generation.

Older Boomers: 1945-1955. This group is classic post-war; the heart and soul of the sixties, but not particularly technology savvy. Heck, electric guitars were a defining device to this generation. PCs? Not so much. This group is willing to use technology, but is not who you'll see standing in line at the Apple Store waiting for the new Mac. For example, this group is 50% less likely to use instant messaging at work as Younger Boomers (19% versus 26%).

Seniors: Before 1945. Even this group will use technology, often to stay in touch with grandchildren. They're not much in the workforce at this point, so we'll let our Consumer Technographics team say more about them. See The State Of Consumers And Technology: Benchmark 2009, US for more (Forrester clients get the full report.)