The Millennial Generation ("Gen Y")
General Characteristics of the Millennial Generation The Millennial generation includes those born starting in 1982. General characteristics include:
* Mass exposure to information (internet, porn sites, chat rooms, etc.)
* High stimulation (video games, etc.)
* Optimistic
* Willing to work hard
* Take technology for granted
* Comfortable working in groups
* Perceived insecurity of the world
* Cannot sit quietly
* Constant "doing" vs. "being"
* Not much experience being active agents in their own lives
* High anxiety (inability to relax or sleep, unable to stop thoughts, inability to focus, anxious, previous anxiety or depression treatment history)
* Need for constant connection (cell phone to ear between classes, many calls home, etc.)
* Accept/trust authority and follow rules (vs. rebel against authority – Baby Boomers!)
* Spend more time with parents and adults (Mom as best friend)
* Raised by increasingly indulgent parents
* Nurtured with increasing protection by pessimistic adults in an insecure environment