There are many names used to describe this generation: Generation Y, millenials, echo boomers. Some would describe this generation as lazy, arrogant and brash, but others would see those same attributes as optimism and self-confidence. With disagreements like these running wild, it’s important to put Generation Y in perspective.
Generation Y includes those born between 1980 and 2000 and is the largest generation since the baby boomers. Making up 20 percent of the population, this generation will have an enormous impact on global economic and societal trends.
A sense of entitlement is considered by some to be a common trait of millenials. Parents of Generation Y-ers have been more actively involved in their children’s lives than in previous generations, giving them a high sense of self-esteem. Many college professors and first-time bosses may say parents are too involved, checking up on their children in the workplace and classroom well into the child’s early adult years. While this deep well of support may foster confidence, it can easily cross the line into arrogance.
Generation Y is technologically savvy. Those born in the late 80s can barely remember a world without computers, the Internet and instant global communication. Text messages, Facebook and iPhones have led to complaints about the inability of echo boomers to carry on a conversation without some electronic medium in the mix. While this may be true, it is also believed millenials are better at multitasking than previous generations.
The Internet might have made this Google generation impatient, but it hasn’t made them calloused. Millenials are notorious for high levels of volunteerism and social activism. According to USA Today, 61 percent of 13-25 year olds feel personally responsible for making a difference in the world, and 81 percent have volunteered in the past year.
Generation Y is relatively open minded when it comes to diversity. According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, 91 percent of those who belong to Generation Y accept the idea of interracial dating – no surprise, since one in every three is a member of a minority.
Every generation has flaws, and Generation Y is no exception. What is important is that the generations accept each others’ flaws and learn to complement rather than conflict with each other. I hope this generation will be known less for its informal business attire and attitude of entitlement and more for the progress it made toward diversity and acceptance. The only thing that is certain is that the mark we leave on history is entirely up to us.
