20 facts about the class of 2020 that will blow your mind

They don't know a world without 9/11.

The Texas-born president was still in his first term when the class of 2020 entered the world.

During Obama's victory in 2008, the high school class of 2020 was still in elementary school.

In 2020, there are over three billion smartphone users around the world, and 77% of Americans own one.

Gen-Z expert Corey Seemiller said growing alongside the commercialization of the internet has allowed older Gen-Z members to adapt naturally to technology.

"Many have used smart devices for entertainment, hobbies, and connecting with others since they were toddlers and rely on these devices today in order to engage in everyday tasks – from messaging and streaming the latest episodes of their favorite shows to watching DIY videos online," she said.

The online video service gave the world a platform for a new generation of voices to be heard.

The yellow sponge who worked at the Krusty Krab was already on his third season in 2002. The show celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019.

That was also the same year Vanessa Carlton released "A Thousand Miles," and that Avril Lavigne said "see you later, boy" to a "Sk8er Boi."

The year they were born, Harry Potter and his classmates were only in their second year, Frodo was still trying to destroy the One Ring in "Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers," and Anakin Skywalker hadn't become Darth Vader in "Star Wars: Attack of The Clones."

"Call of Duty" has released a game almost every year they've been alive.

The class of 2020 is more likely to be on social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram than Facebook.

"While many Gen Zers are on the forefront of today's technology, every young generation is seen by their older counterparts as the most contemporary generation at the time," Seemiller said. "As Gen Z gets older, though, they will likely be like every other aging generation, having those in younger generations seamlessly using and embracing the latest tech innovations while they try to learn to adapt."

The viral song "Turn Down For What" also hit clubs in 2013. A year later, the Ice Bucket Challenge would capture the pop culture collective.

Other people born in 2002 who are already well-known include "It" actress Sophia Lillis, Disney actor Asher Angel, singer Jacob Sartorious, and rapper Lil Mosey.

It would take a decade or so for the text message to completely change how people communicated with each other.

Connor Blakley, a 20-year-old Gen Z expert, said texting and digital communication makes his generation realize how important face-to-face communication is and to cherish it.

"We understand how to effectively communicate face to face in this world because we are so synonymous with technology," he said. "We understand the value of person-to-person communication."

They were 2 years old when they entered the new millennium.

Other musical hits that year included Aerosmith's "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing," Jay-Z's "Hard Knock Life," and Faith Hill's "This Kiss."

The show had its series finale in 2004, when many of the high school class of 2020 was only 2 years old. The show is still insanely popular among millennials and Gen-Z, who binge-watch it on streaming services.

Other movies released in 1998 include "The Truman Show," which was ahead of its time with its story about the growing popularity of reality television. Not one but two movies about a giant asteroid threatening to wipe out Earth, "Deep Impact" and "Armageddon," were also released that year.

Gen-Z members are reportedly likely to get married later in life because they fear divorce, among other factors.

Alexandre Daillance, a Gen-Z expert and fashion designer, said people of his generation will likely get married later because they're more focused on their careers.

"If you get married, you're not going to get married as young," he said. "You're maybe going to get married in your 30s instead of your late 20s."

College enrollment rates have dropped by 11% since 2011, according to NPR. Students this year are also facing uncertainty over whether or not college will even open for in-person classes in the fall.

Blakely believes people in his generation are less likely to go to college. They are more wary of collecting student debt they can't pay back, he said.

According to the Pew Research Center, members of Gen Z were born in 1997 or later. Previously they were considered post-millennials. That means members of the high school and college classes of 2020 are Gen Z.

"I think there's that confusion because older people might just assume anyone who is young is a millennial," Blakley said. He said Gen Z's influence is just starting to be recognized.

• Read more:
• 17 facts that sound fake but are totally true
• Seeing these facts about the entering class of 2019 may make you feel incredibly old
• 20 fascinating facts that make you think twice
• 30 food facts that will blow your mind