Millennials, also known as Generation Y or Gen Y, are the demographic cohort born roughly between 1981 and 1996, making them between 29 and 44 years old as of 2025
. They follow Generation X and precede Generation Z. Key characteristics of millennials include:
- They are the first generation to grow up with the internet and digital technology, often called "digital natives" due to their familiarity with the internet, mobile devices, and social media
- Millennials tend to be tech-savvy, adaptable, and influential in the workplace, with many embracing new ways of working and side projects beyond traditional 9-to-5 jobs
- They have experienced significant economic challenges, including entering the workforce during the Great Recession and facing high levels of student debt and slower economic growth compared to previous generations
- Socially, millennials often delay traditional life milestones like marriage and homeownership and tend to prioritize experiences such as travel over material possessions
- They are generally more diverse, politically liberal, and less religious than previous generations, though some may identify as spiritual
- Millennials now make up a substantial portion of the workforce, about 36% in the US, and are the largest adult demographic globally
In summary, millennials are a digitally connected, economically challenged, and socially progressive generation born around the turn of the millennium who have reshaped cultural and workplace norms.
