Millennials facts for kids
Millennials, also known as Generation Y or Gen Y, are a group of people born around the same time. They came after Generation X and before Generation Z. Most experts say Millennials were born between 1981 and 1996. Many Millennials are the children of Baby Boomers or older Generation X members. In turn, Millennials are often the parents of Generation Alpha.
Millennials were the first generation to grow up with the Internet. Because of this, they are sometimes called the first "global generation." This means they are very familiar with the Internet, mobile devices, social media, and technology. The term "digital natives" was first used to describe them. It means someone who grew up with technology and feels comfortable using it.
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Who Are Millennials?
Millennials are a large group of people defined by their birth years. This helps researchers study how different generations experience the world.
Birth Years and Family Ties
Most people agree that Millennials were born from 1981 to 1996. This means they are currently young adults or middle-aged. Many Millennials have parents who are Baby Boomers. These are people born after World War II. Other Millennials have parents from the older part of Generation X. As they get older, many Millennials are now having children. Their children belong to the generation called Generation Alpha.
Growing Up with Technology
Millennials grew up as the Internet became widely available. This made them very comfortable with new technologies. They quickly learned to use mobile devices and social media. This strong connection to technology shaped their lives. It also changed how they communicate and learn. They are often called "digital natives" because they have always known a world with computers and the Internet.
Economic Challenges
Millennials have faced many economic difficulties. They started their working lives during tough times. The Great Recession in the late 2000s hit them hard. Later, the COVID-19 recession also caused problems. Many Millennials have experienced slower economic growth than past generations. They have also faced high levels of youth unemployment. This means it was hard for them to find jobs when they were young.
Financial Burdens
Many Millennials have had to deal with student debt. This is money they borrowed to pay for college. They also face high childcare costs if they have children. These financial challenges can make it harder to save money or buy a home.
Changing Lifestyles
Millennials often make different life choices than previous generations. Across the world, many Millennials are waiting longer to get married. Some also choose to live together as a couple without marrying. They tend to have fewer children than their parents or grandparents did. In Western countries, Millennials are also less likely to be religious. However, some may still feel a sense of spirituality. This means they believe in something greater than themselves, but not necessarily a specific religion.