This archive report was first published on 21 August 2019.
Millennials, the first generation to grow up with the internet, have been shaped by their experiences during the Great Recession and their entry into the workforce. Born between 1981 and 1996, they turn ages 23 to 38 this year.
As the first generation to inspire think pieces about themselves, millennials have received a plethora of labels, from financially struggling to entitled, and from progressive to special. However, their defining characteristics are more complex and nuanced than these labels suggest.
According to Annah Feinberg, writing for The New Yorker, millennials are the first generation in history to inspire think pieces about themselves. This has led to a multitude of labels, each attempting to capture the essence of this generation.
On one hand, millennials have been highlighted for their financial struggles, with many facing significant student loan debt and struggling to save. On the other hand, they have been applauded for making progress in education and diversity, with many pushing for greater inclusivity and social justice.
As the world continues to try to understand this generation, one thing is clear: millennials are a complex and multifaceted group, defying easy labels and categorizations.
