Type "millennial" into an internet search engine and you will find millions of results, from dictionary definitions to think pieces. These articles usually have catchy headlines and outline characteristics of millennials. Topics may range from how we are in debt because we eat too much avocado toast, to how we are all entitled because we were given trophies in little league soccer at young ages. I find that these stories are not unique, and they are bothersome.

While some writers may look to actual research and facts to support their articles, others seem to attempt to follow trends. I am not sure who the audience for these articles is intended to be. It must not be meant for people of my generation because, a lot of the time, the articles seem to be insulting people my age. It seems to be targeted at people of older generations, perhaps, with the intention of instructing them on how to deal with us.

I do feel that the majority of articles about millennials are not accurate in their assessments of my generation. In school, we are taught to read from verified sources and only supplement our work with reputable websites. However, these articles float around social media websites and influence the opinions of a plethora of readers. I think that it is still too early to write informed articles about what defines a generation of people.

Rather than only being a term for a generation, the word millennial has become a stereotype. This stereotype may cause one to conjure up an image of someone holding up a feminist protest sign in one hand and a LaCroix in the other. My generation is so much more than what is written in online forums, magazines, and newspapers.

Trends and fads will always be a part of human history, but I do not think they should be used to define a generation. I do not think we should be defined by the fact that we are not buying houses. I think that is part of an economic trend and is part of a much bigger picture of how society is changing, especially in regards to education and the workforce.

It is not fair to label us all entitled or internet-addicted because this is not the case. Millennials, the generation of people who were born between 1981 and 1997, are currently the largest generation in America. Instead of writing studies about us ruining the diamond industry or why we are the worst generation of people, we should be recognized for what we are. Unique. Dynamic. Diverse.

Every generation will lament the generation that comes after it. But the only inevitable thing in the world is change. We shouldn’t put each other down as our society evolves. We must keep moving forward, together.