The 6 characteristics of the millennial generation

The millennial generation, also known as the “Y” generation or millennial generation, is made up of people born between the 80s and 90s.

Today, this group of adults is the first digital native generation, and presents several distinctive characteristics qualitatively different from those that characterize the previous generation, "gene X", and from the one that has followed, the generation Z.

In this article we will see what are the main characteristics of the millennial generation, taking into account that this group is made up of mixed age ranges.

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What are millennials like?

Each person has unique psychological traits, but for several decades, the Social Sciences have worked on defining characteristics statistically associated with several generations. This occurs because it helps to understand cultural and behavioral dynamics when applying policies or other measures adapted to that group of people.

For example, If a company wants to launch a product designed for millennials, it makes sense to study the way of thinking and behaving of this generation

: your values, your concerns and interests, etc. For this, research techniques such as focus groups, surveys, psychological experiments, and others are applied.

In general terms, the millennial generation is characterized by being flexible in many aspects, and can even be unpredictable compared to previous generations, in which it is easier to establish patterns of behavior clearer and recurring.

This is largely due to the fact that the group of people belonging to this generation has been influenced by the media since they exist, which has allowed them to learn from many cultural spheres. Through these increasingly rapid changes, millennials also began to advance in terms of incorporating the Internet and these cultural products into their life everyday.

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Characteristics of the millennial generation

Now we will see a list that includes the main characteristics of the millennial generation, taking into account various factors that have influenced them.

1. They are digital natives

Members of Generation Y began to learn about digital media during their childhood, and in their adulthood they arrive in a world dominated by digital media and Internet-related technology.

Therefore, in its natural process of development, the management and understanding of these new technologies is highly internalized; in some cases more than others, that is clear.

2. They have greater multitasking capacity

Because they have grown up in a world in which immediacy is becoming more and more common, and with smartphones you can perform various tasks at the same time, millennials they have a great capacity to tackle multiple tasks with a good level of attention for each of them.

This ability is not necessarily limited to electronic devices; In other words, a millennial does not have to be dependent on a smartphone to multitask, but is able to extrapolate that ability to other aspects of their life.

3. Higher level of academic preparation

Generally speaking, Generation Y has had greater opportunities when it comes to academic preparation.

The training processes gradually transcended the classrooms to become personalized learning styles. In these new styles, each person has greater control over the topics they delve into, and does not depend solely on what the teacher imparts during the hours of the subject.

Apart from all that, there are now models of distance education with which people can comfortably learn from their homes, in front of the computer. This has made one of the characteristics of the millennial generation your ability to learn on your own, often without the need for a teacher.

4. They are citizens of the world

Despite not leaving their country of origin, the millennial generation is made up largely of individuals who know and they feel identified with people and cultures different from those of their country of birth.

For example, someone born in Venezuela can meet a person from Argentina through the internet, and begin to feel identified with the customs, and in general terms, with the lifestyle of that country.

5. They present a higher level of demand

Millennials are people with a tendency to seek good results, they are aware that currently there are the necessary resources so that things are done in the best way.

This trend does not only occur at the time of purchasing a product, but they are also demanding with themselves when they have to perform a certain activity.

6. They look for a job that defines them

Another of the most distinctive characteristics of the millennial generation is that seeks to feel identified with their work. This is something that did not happen with previous generations, in which the important thing was to improve economically and professionally.

By way of synthesis

To summarize a bit the characteristics of this generation, we can conclude by saying that the Millennials are highly linked to new technologies, although not necessarily limited by them.

Howard Gardner, in his book entitled "The App Generation" proposes the terms "Dependent App" and "Competent App", making He refers to the fact that people can use technology in such a way that it helps them to promote their personal skills or to limit them. It will depend largely on the personal characteristics of the subject and its environment.

Bibliographic references:

• Guerin, J. (2019). Millennials, seniors are fleeing cities in search of affordable housing. Housing Wire.
• Jackson II, Ronald L.; Jackson, Ronald L.; Hogg, Michael A. (2010). Encyclopedia of Identity. SAGE.
• Kottasova, I. (2016). British Millennials: You've stolen our future. CNN.
• Meriac, J.P.; Woehr, D.J.; Banister, C. (2010). Generational Differences in Work Ethic: An Examination of Measurement Equivalence Across Three Cohorts. Journal of Business and Psychology. 25 (2): pp. 315 - 324.
• Strauss, W.; Howe, N. (2000). Millennials Rising: The Next Great Generation. New York: Vintage Original.
• Thompson, D. (2011). Are today's Youth Really a Lost Generation?. The Atlantic.