Historical Events or Technological Development – the Key Drivers of Generational Change and Their Current Consequences

Abstract

This article is a selective reflection on the origins of generational change based on the concept by Jean M. Twenge. The author briefly characterizes the world of the young generation, taking into account the main factor, which is technological development. She critically analyses the technical model of generations, in which the main cause of generational changes is the development of technology, treated as the primary factor in the differentiation of young generations. The author also provides selected examples of technical achievements and their significance for shaping subsequent generations. She attempts to analyze the model taking into account cultural factors: individualism and slowing down of life cycles and significant events (historical or economic). The article is a selective reflection referring to traditional theories of generational change in the context of the technical model of generations, in which technological development is of the greatest importance for explaining generational changes.