Millennials are the age group born between 1980-1995 and according to some definitions, even the early 2000’s. Our generation is characterized as “narcissist, lazy, and unmotivated”.

First off, I'm considered to be a Millenial. But, I’m not a stereotype. I was born in 1998. Kids born in the late 90’s and early 2000’s are known to be in an emotionally attached relationship with their phones, tablets, and computers. We don’t care about others, we are unmotivated, and not to mention unlikely to succeed due to our lack of work ethic.

Before I say anything else, the point of this article isn’t to rant. That’s not my intention. It’s more to go into the account about how the tools created today with technology have made life much easier. In addition, it has improved the future work ethic for next generations.

The purpose of this article is to address the negative habits of older generations and how they address current issues. Instead of learning what they don’t understand and expanding their knowledge, they put it down out of fear of the unknown. This article is to explain that the jokes, comments, and stereotypes towards my generation, yes can be true, but are also incredibly misunderstood, and created out of fear for what my parents and generations above don’t understand.

If I had a dollar for every time I heard a passive aggressive comment about my generation, I would never have to work a day in my life. Either from my parents, their friends, strangers, teachers, anyone. It is never meant as an insult. I know it’s because they don’t understand my generation, our priorities, and why we are different. But after a while, it gets old.

One comment, in particular, hit me hard. It took place a few weeks ago. My family and I were in Idaho. We were taking a special sleigh ride to a cabin for dinner, a traditional family activity. As we got onto the sleigh, an older man came out. He began explaining the rules. He told us it’s better to put our phones away because if they fall out of the sleigh, they tend to break.

Tonight was the first night that I had actually brought my phone with me to dinner. In fact, throughout this trip, I intentionally left my phone in my room. While I was skiing, playing hockey, or with my family, I didn’t want to have it.

One of my goals this year is to become less reliant on technology that doesn’t further my growth as a human. I figured, the people who were trying to contact me could wait a few hours. Recently, I deleted Instagram and I no longer have Facebook on my phone. I hardly use Snapchat. This is something that I’m working on because I do believe that iPhones can be toxic if used improperly.

The man ended with a comment that hit me the wrong way, it ripped on my generation. In addition, it was sexist. It was intended to make all people (specifically men) above the age of 30 laugh. It was unintentionally rude and made my blood boil.

“And to you, teenage girls, hold onto your phones”.

A harmless comment. Yes, but it made me feel dumb, a stereotype as if my phone is a part of me. He said it to make the adults laugh. Great, they did. I looked at my dad and he could tell I was offended.

His comment angered me because he targeted a specific age group and gender. He made it seem as if all teenage girls cannot live without their phones because they're constantly taking selfies, texting their girlfriends, posting on Instagram and it made me mad. Because I don’t do that. Yes, I’m probably overreacting, but I don’t care.

I’m very tired of older generations throwing my generation under the bus just because we have different habits.

Yes, I do think that a lot of people my age are too attached to technology. But, I know people who want genuine interaction, don’t have social media, use their phone for music, journaling, and keeping in contact with others.

I do know people who are very superficial, desire money, and affirmation. They want a lot of attention and put their self-worth into the little things that in my opinion, don’t matter. But social media has great use as well, you can use it to further your career.

Social media is a great tool to create connections and build a profile if you are involved in journalism, performing arts, activism, or art. Technology can be used in incredible ways to advance human life.

It’s how you use social media and what you intend to get out of it. If you simply use it as a way to judge people based on their profile, get attention or affirmation from others as a way to boost your self esteem, or you have multiple accounts so you can gossip about others on your “Sinsta," not only is that rude, but it’s incredibly degrading to yourself and your mental and spiritual growth as a young adult. Yes, it is completely your decision, but it’s not smart.

However, if you use Social Media as a way to grow your skills and career; you are using a tool designed to help you.

I understand when older generations joke about my age group, but making sexist and hurtful comments is not okay, especially when older generations can be just as dependent on technology. I do see that some of us have a problem and hopefully, we will begin to see that.

That man’s comment confirmed one thing for me, there are many issues that older generations have placed onto our lap. The amount of hate in the world, fear, and discrimination still present is heartbreaking. Sexism, homophobia, and racism are current issues that I see all the time.

This is a problem left by older generations. It has been carried through and there is some improvement but not where we should be. It’s based on fear, power, and the fact that many people just don’t understand. To me, this is more disturbing and morally wrong than anything else, certainly more than taking the occasional selfie.

Personally, I do see something wrong with my generation. But every generation has their major flaws. But, I also see people who are breaking that stereotype. I don’t see anything wrong with focusing on a career as opposed to getting married really young.

I don’t see anything wrong with being a little selfish when you are young - making decisions and benefitting yourself. I don’t see the problem with doing things that make you happy or demanding that you don’t work to death. I don’t see a problem with relaxing and enjoying life every once in a while.

But, I’m not a stereotype. I’m a young, hardworking individual. I’m just trying to find my place in the world. I’m using resources that make it easier. I see issues that I’m trying to address. I may be a millennial, but I’m also a human being.