Millennial: It’s a word we’ve been hearing a lot lately throughout our daily lives. Used to describe the younger generations such as teenagers, young adults, and college students like myself, it can sometimes be used in a context that isn’t the most flattering. But do those who are using this term even know what a millennial is? Yes, it’s another generation. But what does it mean to be a millennial?
We Are Changing With The Times
Times are changing quickly and as millennials are growing up, they are developing and changing with a fast moving world. Technological and social movements are happening right around them—they are in the hub of new inventions that could change the world forever! For example, streaming is on the move to replacing television. It’s something that hasn’t really been thought about yet, but Netflix, Hulu, and even Yahoo are making moves to take over the television industry. Being able to watch and even help make this transition happen gives millennials the ability to quickly adapt to ever-changing surroundings.
We Are Cautious & Self-Aware
With social movements such as gender and race equality playing such an important role in today’s society, the millennial generation is one of the most aware and cautious when it comes to sexist, racist, and other types of offensive language and actions. We have friends who are starting movements and voicing opinions about these issues, we may even be doing it ourselves, so we know how to voice opinions without being offensive which is something that could be huge as these social movements really begin to blow up. Donald Trump could take a lesson or two from us millennials.
We Have Our Safety Nets
Millennials are awesome, but we are also wildly coddled. Technology, while it has become such an innovative and helpful development in our world, has made this generation so closed-off to communication and stepping out of comfort zones. Face-to-face confrontations and conversations are a rarity because of texting, Tinder, and email. Finding oneself in an awkward or confrontational situation is rarely used as a way to grow, but rather something to hide from with our phones in front of our faces. Being a millennial is about learning how to use the power of social media for what it was meant for, while maintaining a life outside of our screens.
We Are Creative
Millennials are some of the most creative people you will meet. Artistically or intellectually, new ideas are created by millennials every day. YouTubers--a handful of millennials--have created careers out of their own creations and sending the content out for others to view. Graffiti has become an art form rather than something cities want to cover up and hide. Web pages such as Odyssey are a hub for millennial’s written creativity that is relatable and outspoken.
Millennials get a bad rep from other generations. Understandably, we have our faults—as does everyone. But when taking a closer look, this generation is on the way to making the world a better place. And that is what being a millennial is like.
