The Millenial generation are the youngest generation currently identified and although the age-range for Millennials is disputed, they are generally born after 1980 and include those in their teens, twenty-somethings, and those in their early thirties.
Are called “Millennials” because they are the first generation to come of age in the new
millennium.
Are also called “generation Y”, as they followed “generation X”.
The Millennial “personality” is confident, self-expressive, liberal, upbeat, and open
to change.
Are more ethnically and racially diverse, less religious than previous generations, less
likely to have served in the military, and are on track to become the most educated
generation in American history.
Their entry into careers and the job market has been drastically affected by the
Great Recession, but tend to be more upbeat than their elders about their economic
futures, as well as the overall state of the nation.
They are history’s first “always connected” generation, steeped in technology, social
media, and multi-tasking.
More than 8 in 10 say they sleep with a cell phone glowing by the bed and nearly 2
out of 3 admit to texting while driving.
They embrace multiple modes of self expression. 75% have created a profile on a
social networking site.
When asked what makes their generation most unique, Millennials identify: Technology
Use (24%), Music and Pop Culture (11%), Liberal/Tolerant (7%), Smarter (6%), and
Clothes (5%).
Only about 6 in 10 were raised by both parents.
When weighing their own life priorities, they (like older adults) place marriage
and parenthood far above career and financial success.
Aren’t rushing to the alter: only 21% are married now, half the share of their
parents’ generation at the same stage of life.
They generally get along with their parents and respect their elders.
All numbers and research taken from the Pew Research Center. For more detailed numbers and information see: Millennials: A Portrait of Generation Next.