The millennial generation is made up of people born between the 1980s and 1990s.

This generation is also known as the Millennium Generation. In this article we will see what are the main characteristics of the millennial generation , taking into account that this group is composed of mixed age ranges.

What are the millennials like?

In general terms, the millennial generation is characterized by its flexibility in many respects, and may even be unpredictable compared to previous generations, where it is easier to establish clearer and more recurrent patterns of behavior.

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

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

The members of generation Y started to learn about digital media during their childhood , and in their adulthood they arrive at a world where digital media and Internet-related technology predominate.

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

2. They have greater multitasking capacity

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

This capability is not necessarily limited to electronic devices; that is, a millennial does not have to be dependent on a smartphone to perform multiple tasks, but is capable of extrapolating that capability to other aspects of its life.

3. Higher level of academic preparation

In general terms, Generation Y has had greater opportunities in terms of academic preparation.

The training processes gradually transcended the classroom to become personalized learning styles. In these new styles, each person has greater control over the subjects they study in depth , and does not depend solely on what the teacher teaches during the course hours.

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

4. They are citizens of the world

Although they do not leave their country of origin, the millennial generation is largely made up of subjects who know and feel identified with people and cultures different from those of their country of birth .

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

5. They are more demanding

Millennials are people with a tendency to look for good results, they are aware that nowadays there are the necessary resources to do things in the best way.

This tendency does not only occur at the time of acquiring a product, but they are also demanding with themselves when it comes to carrying out a certain activity.

6. They are looking 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 summary

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

Howard Gardner, in his book “The App Generation” proposes the terms “dependent app” and “competent app”, referring to the fact that people can use technology in such a way that it serves to promote their personal skills or to limit them. It will depend to a great extent on the personal characteristics of the subject and his or her environment.

Bibliographic references:

  • 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.