Millennials are a generation of people born between 1981 and 1996. They are also known as Generation Y or Gen Y. There are several reasons why Millennials thrive, including their tech savviness, trendsetting diversity, and high education levels. In 2012, it was estimated that about 72.1 million Millennials were living in the United States, paving the way for future generations. I still remember being immersed in building computers and hearing my father say, “If you can fix it, you can have it.” Even at a young age, I knew my father was onto something. The digital world was my playground, and social media was how I connected with like-minded individuals. Generation Y is the era of digital inclusion, and it is here to stay.
The internet grew rapidly during the time when millennials were coming of age, which made them the first generation to have access to various devices like computers, cell phones, and smartphones. This has made them highly adaptable to change, and they can easily keep in touch with their friends, family, and new acquaintances. They use every digital platform available, from Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, and many more apps. Moreover, millennials have introduced new music streaming services that cater to the music industry, and many artists like Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Drake, Cardi B, and Rihanna have benefited from this. Being tech-savvy has enabled this generation to benefit from technology in many other ways beyond entertainment.
A recent global study found that 46% of millennials in the US and over 60% of Latin millennials use electronic devices for research and education. Educational attainment has been steadily increasing since 1968, and by the 2020s, about 4 in 10 millennials in the United States have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher, surpassing all previous generations. It’s safe to say that millennials value personal growth since innovative technology has been a gift to our generation, allowing us to easily access educational resources and continuously improve ourselves.
The dominant narrative in the United States has historically centered on whiteness and has been embellished with falsehoods. However, the truth is that America is abundant, diverse, and home to many cultures that represent multiple nations. Generation Y, or millennials, is known for being the most progressive generation yet. In 2018, they made an impact by electing more than 20 of their peers to the House of Representatives. Representation is crucial, and paving the way for future generations is always a trend. US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) uses digital media and video games to connect with her supporters, who appreciate her fearless fight for democracy. In 2020, Animal Crossing, a popular video game, gained widespread attention because of AOC’s role in demonstrating how politics and community engagement can create significant change in the US. Although there is still much progress to be made, millennials are innovative and creative in how they represent themselves and their communities.
Millennials, also known as Gen Y, are an assertive generation that is tech-savvy, highly educated, and diverse. Being the first generation to have access to devices like computers, cellphones, and smartphones, they are adaptable to change. Millennials make extensive use of digital platforms and have introduced new music streaming services. Personal growth is a value that is highly regarded by millennials, and they have attained more bachelor’s degrees than any previous generation. In 2018, this progressive generation elected over 20 peers to Congress, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a millennial Congresswoman who uses digital media and video games to connect with supporters. Millennials are not afraid to be innovative and creative in how they represent themselves and their communities, and they are driving change in the world.
1. Lucky Attitude. “The Ultimate List of Millennial Characteristics | Lucky Attitude.” Lucky Attitude, 2018, luckyattitude.co.uk/millennial-characteristics/.
2. Pereira, Ivan. “AOC Pays Virtual Visits to Fans in Their ‘Animal Crossing’ Islands.” ABC News, 8 May 2020, abcnews.go.com/Politics/aoc-pays-virtual-visits-fans-animal-crossing- islands/story?id=70577343. Accessed 30 Oct. 2023.
3. Zelazko, Alicja. “Millennials | Demographic Group | Britannica.” Www.britannica.com, 29 June 2023, www.britannica.com/topic/millennial.
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