Latest news with #GenerationX
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Donald Trump's Approval Rating Flips With Gen X
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump's approval rating has flipped among voters from Generation X, a poll has revealed. According to a CNN/SSRS survey, Trump's popularity has increased by 23 points since April with voters aged 50 to 64. The polling shows that this age group—who fall under Gen X, born 1965-1980—is the only demographic where Trump is enjoying a net positive approval rating. Why It Matters Trump's popularity has fluctuated throughout his presidency and recent polls have suggested he has an overall negative approval rating. News of Gen X support may help Trump bolster the support of his allies as he tries to unite the Republican Party ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections. Trump's net approval rating among those aged 50 to 64 has increased by 23 points in just under three months. Trump's net approval rating among those aged 50 to 64 has increased by 23 points in just under three months. Photo-illustration by Newsweek/Associated Press/Canva/Getty What To Know Some 55 percent of Gen X voters approve of Trump while 45 percent disapprove, according to the CNN/SSRS poll. This means he has a net approval rating among this group of +10. The survey of 1,057 voters, sampled across different age groups, was conducted between July 10 and July 13, 2025. It has a margin of error of +/- 3.5 percentage points. A previous CNN/SSRS poll, conducted between April 17 and April 24, found that 43 percent of voters in this age range approved of Trump and 56 percent disapproved, leaving him with a net approval rating of -13. That means Trump's popularity among Gen X voters has increased by 23 points in just under three months. Trump is doing well with other groups, too. According to polling by YouGov/The Economist, the president has a net approval rating of +80 from conservatives. This is similar to the levels it was at during the start of his second term. He is also gaining more traction with Hispanic voters, a crucial demographic who traditionally support Democratic candidates, a poll has shown. Other polls paint a bleaker picture. A Tyson Group poll, conducted June 25-26 among 1,027 U.S. adults, showed Trump at 45 percent approval and 51 percent disapproval overall. The latest CNN/SSRS poll showed Trump's overall approval rating at net -16, suggesting that the president is still struggling to command unanimous support. President Donald Trump waves as he walks from Marine One after arriving on the South Lawn of the White House on July 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump waves as he walks from Marine One after arriving on the South Lawn of the White House on July 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C. AP Photo/Alex Brandon What People Are Saying Thomas Whalen, an associate professor who teaches U.S. politics at Boston University, told Newsweek: "Trump has a strong foothold on middle-aged voters approaching the back nine of their lives. And this age group is the one that traditionally is more likely to go to the polls to vote at election-time. "Of course, the big question is whether the support is sustainable in the long term given the dramatic cuts Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill to social safety programs this groups usually enjoys, namely Medicaid. "Also, rising inflation due to tariffs will eat away at their retirement savings and standard of living. Should be interesting to see what the same poll will say next year." What Happens Next Trump's approval rating among different demographics will likely fluctuate throughout the course of his presidency as voters respond to his policy offering as well as international events.
Geek Girl Authority
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
From Pinball to Video Slots: Evolution of Reels for Gen-X Gamers
Generation X, from 1965 to 1980, has experienced the greatest shift in gaming entertainment history. They lived the entire transition, from mechanical arcade machines to advanced gaming platforms. And their gaming preferences, formed during this technological revolution, continue to influence current slot design philosophy and development. The Mechanical Era Foundation Generation X gamers learned how to play pinball on physical pinball machines and early electromechanical new sweepstakes slots that made their way into the arcades and casinos of the 1970s and 1980s. These games established game principles that existed during this time sample and still operate within today's modern gaming world: The games necessitate physical skills such as timing and ball control. Mechanical Randomness created 'true' randomness using mechanical spinning reels. Instant physical feedback produced pleasurable visceral responses. The rules are straightforward, requiring no tutorials for easy learning. Social gaming experiences fostered competition and opportunities to show off skills. Machines like Gottlieb's Fireball (1972) and Bally's Eight Ball Deluxe (1981) marked cultural touchstones. Digital Revolution and Video Slot Emergence The 1990s brought computerized gaming systems that fundamentally altered slot machine design. Sweepstakes video slots emerged as the bridge between mechanical traditions and digital possibilities, offering enhanced features while maintaining familiar core mechanics. This transition introduced revolutionary changes: animated graphics were used to replace physical reels bonus rounds now involve so much more than spinning and winning themed content can develop storylines and character development the advent of variable betting accommodates different bankroll needs Progressive jackpots can link multiple machines for larger prizes in the game of chance. WMS Gaming's Reel 'Em In (1996) was the first game to use the industry-standard second-screen bonus. IGT's Wheel of Fortune (1996) showcased that brand content could engage players. All of these games set standards that developers have continued to adapt. Server-based gaming was introduced in the 2000s, allowing for changes to content and experiences with dynamic content in the game itself and personalization. Modern Platform Adaptation for Gen-X Preferences Contemporary sweepstakes video slots cater specifically to Gen-X sensibilities by combining nostalgic elements with cutting-edge technology. Developers recognize this demographic's unique position as digital natives who remember analog origins. Current platforms incorporate Gen-X-preferred features: Navigation systems that feel instinctive and mirror the format of desktop software layouts from years gone by; Nostalgic/retro symbol sets featuring fruits, bells, and lucky 7; Medium-high volatility math models that promote excitement while still allowing for responsible/affordable play; Retro-themed games that reference pop culture and music of the 1980s; Transparency of paytables where game mechanics do not require complex bonus schemes; Mobile optimization for tablet use during leisure time; Demo modes enable players to explore games without jeopardizing their balance. Top developers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, and Pragmatic Play have focused their development on a Gen-X audience. NetEnt's Starburst is an effortless game to understand, with simple graphics and a modern graphic package. Microgaming's Immortal Romance used layered storytelling to appeal to the Gen-X narrative-style of gaming. Play'n GO's Book of Dead integrated familiar images of Egyptian culture and contemporary bonus feeding mechanics. These platforms are successful because they will continue to integrate gaming wisdom tailored for Gen-Xers while also adopting modern technological improvements. The perspective of the Gen-X demographic is more quality versus quantity; they love games that are well-designed enough to be played for sustained periods rather than quickly disposable, stylish, but ultimately shallow experiences. Because Gen-Xers have disposable income and brand loyalties that remain unchanged, they can be a lucrative customer base that rewards an authentic gaming experience that respects their evolution in entertainment. TV Review: NAUTILUS Episode 4, 'Slippery When Wet' RELATED: 28 Years Later Spoiler Review
News18
11-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Disorder In World Order: How Power, Principles, And Alliances Are Fracturing
The display of the naked truth of the façade of world order and decency came about in the recent vote on condemning the Taliban for the repression it is conducting in Afghanistan. The world as we, the Baby Boomers or Generation X, all born prior to 1964 saw, was a wonderful place with clearly defined lines between good and evil countries and people. It was contingent upon which side of the border one was born on, and there was no choice. In the first half of the 20th century, there were the good guys, the Allies, because they won eventually and wrote the books and global orders after the First and Second World Wars, and then there were the evil forces, the Axis, who lost and therefore had to suffer the humiliation in the history books and thereafter had to heed and follow the Allies for the balance of the 20th century. In the second half of the 20th century, times began to improve, with both winners and losers licking their wounds. Yet, a need was felt for enemies and evils. Thus, the Cold War had to be manufactured. Nonetheless, the world was simple to understand, maintaining a balance between good and bad, as the Gods – be they Abrahamic, the crores of Indians' deities, or 'NO God" for non-believers – had always desired. There is no order without balance. Eventually, in the last few decades, the Soviets decided to implode, leaving no major evil to fight. There was only one gun-wielding superpower on Earth, left standing to police and dominate the world. The world was unipolar, and everyone was cheering. The 21st century is turning out to be a challenge to understand, as difficult as it is for Generation Z and later millennials. It is becoming disorderly, with the Chinese staking claim, new power centres, small but aligned and partnered, emerging, and the role of non-state actors becoming preeminent. By non-state actors, one doesn't imply the bad terrorist ones, but the worst kinds: the corporates and military-industrial complexes who desire only order through controlled disorder by them. The world is difficult to comprehend even for the best geopolitical armchair academics. The common citizens of the world have already given up as they find the orders written by the so-called good guys, world police, and preachers of good behaviour – the Western and First World – not only because of the power they wield but also because they are all white, the colour of good, being turned on its head. The leader of the most powerful country backslaps, shakes hands, and embraces a US/world-designated terrorist with $10 million on his head in the White House, the romanticised residence of the world. Then, he takes the level one notch up by having lunch at his residence with a proxy military dictator who appointed himself as a Field Marshal, bypassing all civilian leadership and letting down the entire population of Pakistan that elected a government, however flawed the election may have been. It became clear that the more terror one controls, the world would seek the company. It is like in India, where politicians used to have musclemen a few decades back, but now the order has been established that the muscleman has taken over the reins as it is much easier to avoid sharing power. The international organisations have fallen into disarray. They were, in any case, established by the 'First World" after the Second World War to continue colonisation of the rest of the world in a much more refined and gentlemanly manner, extracting resources and forcing markets. Those countries who didn't fall in line were declared non-democratic, and then the controls were re-established through the most brutal dictator or feudal available locally, directly or through proxy democratic governments. The most telling expose has been the United Nations. The display of the naked truth of the façade of world order and decency came about in the recent vote on condemning the Taliban for the repression it is conducting in Afghanistan. They were the bedfellows of the Americans and the NATO countries in the first venture of the 'First World" in the last quarter of the 20th century, defeating the Soviets and, in the process, sowing seeds for the worst kind of religious terrorism in the region. The spark has only touched these countries as the worst is yet to come in Europe and the US. Not having learnt the lessons of the British losing each and every foray in Afghanistan in the first half of the 20th century, and the Soviets losing their only major confrontation ever to the Taliban, the 'First World" tried to tame their earlier bride through proxies and physical presence in the 21st century. They were surprised and shocked to be unable to tame the uneducated, disparate, and divided tribals with no big guns, gunships, missiles, aircraft, and aircraft carriers. The world's biggest powers, with more than 75 percent of the world GDP, powerful militaries, excluding China that was not a party to the misadventure, failed to tame the big turbaned, dishevelled, and only equipped with Russian-origin Kalashnikovs and steely resolve. The Taliban owned the world in the United Nations. In the United Nations General Assembly Vote on condemning repression by the Taliban, the shocker was that the US and Israel voted against it. The US had recently been booted out unceremoniously, leaving billions of dollars' worth of military equipment and pride behind after 20 years. And Israel, on the wrong end of Islamic terror, had also followed suit. India had to abstain, as your enemy's enemy is your friend, to deny the strategic depth so sought after by Pakistan and keep the channels for trade towards the CAR. Clearly, Afghanistan is not so distant for India. Iran chose to abstain for its own compulsions. They share a tenuous border with Afghanistan. China has significant resource interests in Afghanistan, and Russia wanted some credibility through a possible future partner. Only 116, out of the entire 193, fully cognizant of Taliban repression against non-Muslims and women, voted for the motion. They are yet to learn the game of trade and terror. The world has become a strange place where morality, freedom of choice and voice, and democracy are unfamiliar terms with trade and terror, state-sanctioned or non-state-driven, having taken primacy. The rise of China and its abrasive conduct, the realisation of the third world emerging to the reality that they also matter, and the diminishing power, military, and economic, of the most powerful countries and their alliances having overplayed their hands for too long, has made the world uncertain and disorderly. The economic crises brought about by the greed of the big corporates and the climate impact caused by huge consumerism by a few at the expense of the rest are impacting those who were always exploited. Having migrated in search of jobs or been invited to do the low-end work in the host country, these migrants, legal or illegal, now rise to claim the space given voluntarily but without a thought to the long-term consequences. Technology is the third T, forming a triad with trade and terror, causing disruptions never witnessed before. The securing of rare earth materials, besides the niche research and development that drive the engines of rapid technological evolution, has become a moot point of conversation or threats in a recent trade war on tariffs that has now emerged due to another T, Trump, driving the agenda. The countries of the world are fractured, internally and externally. The old-time established norms of loyalties, alliances, and friendships between nations and even individuals, however powerful they may be, are shattered, driving the disorder. The affection between the two powerful entities on either side of the Atlantic, the US and NATO, is now under stress due to commitment about funds. Money can make any marriage go bad. The same was witnessed in the last few months of May to July 2025, forcing the unwilling partners of NATO in Europe to commit 5 percent of the GDP in defence. Similar stress can be seen in other alliances, due to the waning and waxing of power of different lead countries. SAARC never took off, SCO is under stress, ASEAN is operating under fear of China, BRICS remains a tiger on paper, and the state is similar in formal and informal alliances, associations, and partnerships. Even the non-state partnerships of terror organisations and corporates are under stress and duress due to different reasons. The only committed partnership remains that of the corporates in the uncertain and volatile world of disorder. India needs to survive this uncertain and disorderly world through careful manoeuvring in trade, controlling terror, internal and external, and managing Trump, until he survives avoiding impeachment, and investing in technology. The only close and tough challenge will come from China, under internal distress and external overstretch, and yet powerful enough. A deft economic and political management of China with a powerful military is imperative. If the Chanakyan philosophies are followed in letter and spirit, and the culture of National Interests imbibed from the world's most powerful, the leadership of the country can stay the course of achieving the mission of Sashakt Bharat @2047 that is both Viksit and Surakshit. Chaos and disorder are the environments where Bharat lives daily and thrives in the long term through innovation and survivalist instincts. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. About the Author Lt Gen DP Pandey LT Gen DP Pandey is Former GOC 15 Corps tags : Afghanistan donald trump Geopolitics Narendra Modi terrorism view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 11, 2025, 13:09 IST News opinion Opinion | Disorder In World Order: How Power, Principles, And Alliances Are Fracturing Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Forbes
08-07-2025
- General
- Forbes
Acknowledging Employees' Generational Differences Is Vital
Senior advisor, global affairs, at American Benefits Council. Global HR specialist developing innovative HR and benefits strategies. Until recently, I believed that people—regardless of their generation—were driven by the same basic drivers and needs: recognition, security and purpose. I'd heard the buzz about generational differences, but I always thought it was overblown. People are people, right? Or so I thought. The Parenting Moment That Changed My Perspective I grew up in a Baby Boomer household where discipline was strict and voices were often raised. My father believed in tough love, and I carried much of that approach into my first marriage, when I became a father of two Millennials. Now, in my second marriage, I have a five-year-old, who's a member of Generation Alpha. My wife, born to Generation-X, has a noticeably different parenting style than what I was raised with or embodied. (She's a lot more measured.) You'd think having such a generationally diverse family would make me an expert on our differences. But it wasn't until recently that I began to truly understand just how much has changed. The moment of reckoning was confronting my 18-year-old son after he'd forgotten to walk the dog for the third time. He was glued to his phone as I tried to talk to him, so I raised my voice to get his attention. I'd done it countless times before, but in this moment, my five-year-old piped up from across the room with a startling observation: 'You yell a lot!' His words stopped me cold. In my childhood, such boldness would have earned a swift punishment. But here was my youngest son, not only unafraid to speak his mind but able to do so with an honesty that cut straight through me. At first, I tried to explain myself. 'I raised my voice because your brother wasn't listening.' His response? 'There are other ways to talk to people.' That simple statement hit me harder than any lecture or management seminar ever had, challenging not only my parenting but my entire worldview. It made me pause and reflect on how different his upbringing is from mine. I realized that, in his world, respect isn't something demanded by authority. It's earned through understanding and communication. I was faced with an uncomfortable truth. What worked for my generation doesn't necessarily work for his generation—or my older children's, for that matter. And these changes, while occasionally subtle, are drivers that affect how we interact with others in the world, including in the workplace. Multigenerational Workplaces Need A New Approach For years, I resisted the idea that younger generations were fundamentally different from mine, but now I see how much our culture has changed. Instead of believing in command and hierarchy, Millennials and Gen-Zers prioritize communication and collaboration. They've been raised in environments where their voices matter, and they're encouraged to express themselves. So naturally, those expectations carry over into their professional lives. According to Deloitte, Millennial and Gen-Z employees tend to reject traditional corporate structures. They want to work in purpose-driven environments where their ideas are valued and their contributions are recognized. Team members from these generations expect leaders to support their professional development and approach feedback as a conversation, not a lecture. These shifts, as well as my new perspective, have led me to rethink how those of us in HR are designing our organizations' programs and workplace strategies. One-size-fits-all approaches are no longer enough. The newer generations want to be engaged and empowered to create their own success. So, we need to foster a culture of compassionate productivity. Accountability must be coupled with psychological safety, and leaders should encourage open communication, mentorship and collaboration. Adapting to these changing expectations is vital for employee satisfaction. As Deloitte's research shows, when people feel heard and understood, they're more engaged and productive. And when organizations embrace generational differences instead of resisting them, they create cultures where everyone can thrive. We Must Understand All Generations To Move Forward Understanding generational differences isn't about drawing lines between 'us' and 'them.' It's about really listening and being willing to adapt. My five-year-old taught me that there are other ways to talk to people, and I'm learning how to apply that to leadership as well. Embracing change isn't just necessary; it's transformative. And if we let them, the youngest voices can have the biggest impact. Forbes Human Resources Council is an invitation-only organization for HR executives across all industries. Do I qualify?
Business Wire
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Gen X Prioritises Security Over Convenience in Payment Choices, PXP Report Finds
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Generation X continues to favour traditional payment methods over newer digital alternatives, with security and reliability ranking as top priorities, finds research by the omnichannel global payment platform PXP. While comfortable with digital transactions, Gen X - those born between 1965 and 1980 remain cautious adopters of new payment technology, sticking with tried-and-tested methods. The findings, based on a survey of over 4,000 consumers across the UK and US, reveal a generation that values substance over style when it comes to financial technology. The research examined how different age groups, including Gen X, Millennials and Baby Boomers, approach payments, highlighting key differences in their payment preferences, priorities and expectations. Security is a top priority for Gen X, and they continue to favour debit and credit cards for both everyday spending and big-ticket purchases. Almost half (49%) of Gen X use debit cards as their primary payment method, valuing the control and familiarity they provide. Credit cards remain popular for larger purchases, such as travel bookings, where 33% prefer them for ticket purchases, often to take advantage of rewards and fraud protection. While cash is still in use, particularly in social settings, with 22% preferring it when dining out, mobile wallets remain far from mainstream for this group. Just 5% use them for travel bookings, and 6% for in-store shopping, showing that while Gen X appreciates convenience, they are reluctant to switch from payment methods they trust. Other insights on Gen X from the PXP study reveal: 51% of Gen X rank security as their top payment priority. 40% cite fraud risk as their biggest frustration with digital payments. 44% believe debit and credit cards provide the most secure online experience. 36% say hidden fees are a major frustration, preferring transparency at checkout. 25% value the ability to split payments across multiple methods. 31% say loyalty programmes with exclusive discounts influence their shopping decisions. 28% are drawn to payment methods that offer rewards or cashback. 'Gen X approaches payments with a practical mindset - they want methods they can trust, clear payment terms and rewards that offer real value,' said Kamran Hedjri, Group CEO for PXP. 'They aren't driven by hype, and businesses that want their loyalty need to prioritise security, transparency, and payment options that fit into their everyday routines.' Businesses looking to attract Gen X shoppers need to offer payment options that feel familiar while delivering security, transparency and real benefits. PXP Unity, PXP's newly launched cloud-native, scalable and integrated platform, is designed to do exactly that - giving merchants greater control over transaction data, smart routing capabilities and access to a growing catalogue of services, all through a single integration. 'Gen X expects payment options that are secure, simple, and rewarding," continued Hedjri. "They're not chasing trends, but will embrace innovation when it adds real value. With PXP Unity, businesses can offer the trusted payment experiences Gen X relies on while introducing new solutions that enhance security, rewards and convenience.' Read the complete report Gen X and the Future of Payments and discover detailed strategies for enhancing your payment ecosystem based on your specific industry. About PXP PXP is a tech platform that makes commerce simpler, better, and more connected. With just one connection to PXP, merchants can unlock a world of commerce across online, mobile, and point-of-sale channels. Powered by a suite of financial services, multiple acquiring connections - including an in-house acquiring licence - and diverse alternative payment methods, PXP processes over €30 billion annually through our unified gateway. Connect once to our global commerce ecosystem to supercharge your growth by unifying payments, streamlining operations, and getting access endless opportunities. Learn more about the PXP family of companies at: or visit the PXP blog.
