Introduction
In Mexico, the widespread adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has reshaped how we work, learn, stay informed, and entertain ourselves across all ages and generations.
The unexpected push from the pandemic accelerated connectivity, transforming it from a generational advantage to a widely adopted cross-sector tool.
Generational Differences in Technology Use
Despite the rapid progress, significant differences persist in habits, usage intensity, and technological investment between digital natives and non-natives by mid-2025.
The discussion has shifted from age-based to one of adaptive appropriation, as all cohorts integrate into the digital ecosystem, albeit at varying paces and motivations.
Non-Native Digital Users: Gradual Adoption
Baby Boomers (1949-1968), born in an analog environment, are undergoing a quiet yet steady transformation.
- Seven out of ten Baby Boomers are now internet users.
- Though their data consumption and average revenue per user (ARPU) are the lowest in the market, they exhibit the highest annual growth rates in technology adoption.
- Their engagement with on-demand video platforms (45.5% of total) and strategy/puzzle video games (22.8%) demonstrates that “playing is not just for kids.”
Generation X: Mature Technology Relationships
Generation X (1969-1980) acts as a bridge between analog and digital worlds.
- With 97.2% smartphone penetration and an 88.1% internet connectivity adoption rate, these “digital migrants” have established mature technology relationships.
- Their average spending of $4,502 pesos on mid-to-high-end devices and growing adoption of streaming services (81.9%) and video games (41.6%) confirm their successful adaptation to technological changes.
Digital Natives: Intensity and Diversification
Millennials (1981-1993) are the most economically intensive and technologically demanding generation.
- They spend the most on smartphones ($5,007 pesos per device) and have the highest ARPU of $156.9 pesos per month.
- Nine out of ten are internet users, eight out of ten consume subscription-based video platforms, and more than half engage with video games.
Generation Z: Hyperconnectivity Paradigm
Generation Z (1994-2010) embodies hyperconnectivity.
- Nearly all possess smartphones (99.2%) and browse the internet (95.7%).
- Their relationship with technology is holistic, using it for studying, socializing, shopping, and gaming.
- They achieve the highest adoption rates in video games (78.9%) and an ARPU of $148.5 pesos, on the rise.
Beyond Age: Convergence of Technology Use
Generational segmentation reveals that the digital divide is no longer measured solely by access but also by usage intensity, purpose, and sophistication in ICT application.
While digital natives lead adoption, non-natives are closing the gap through familiarization, continuous learning, and increasing accessibility to devices and technological services.
Intergenerational Digital Revolution
The digital transformation is not the domain of a single generation but rather those who adapt flexibly to technological changes.
- Baby Boomers discover it, Generation X masters it, Millennials refine it, and Generation Z expands it.
Digitalization in Mexico is now a progressive inclusion and shared exploitation phenomenon, as each generation adapts technology according to their experience, pace, and preference in the era of mass connectivity.
