The next generation – How will Internet-savvy teens affect the nation?

Cautious ’70s

Bass refers to people born before 1980 as conservative and cautious. This generation grew up during the early years of New China and lived through difficult times.

“They tend to be more conservative and hold traditional Chinese values,” he said.

Privileged ’80s

’80s children are much luckier than their parents, Bass said. This generation grew up in a society that had just opened up amid an economic boom. Due to the launch of the one-child policy in 1979, many ’80s children were “little emperors” often spoiled by parents and relatives.

“They grew up alone and were given every privilege by their parents and grandparents,” Bass said.

Progressive ’90s

Compared to the ’80s, this generation grew up only knowing a prosperous China. In the ’90s, the country transformed its centrally planned economy into a socialist market economy.

Although their parents doted them on as well, this generation relies more on friends. They prefer turning to fellow netizens for advice when they encounter setbacks and are more progressive, Bass said.

Westernized haigui

One generation that should not be ignored is the haigui, which refers to those who have returned to the country after having studied abroad. Bass said this is not really a generation but a significant sub-group of the ‘80s generation.

They are comparatively independent and, more importantly, have a taste for Western lifestyles and a greater awareness of Western ideas, he said.