Researchers typically classify Millennials as the generation of individuals born between 1981 and 1996. But why are they called “Millennials” instead of simply Generation Y? The name comes from the fact that the oldest members of this group were entering adulthood or finishing high school around the turn of the new millennium, roughly the year 2000. According to Forbes, the term was originally coined in 1991 by authors and historians William Strauss and Neil Howe, who used it to describe this cohort coming of age as the world entered a new millennium.
Dr Alexis Abramson, an expert on what are known as “generational cohorts,” explains in a BBC piece that generations are defined because “when you are born affects your attitudes, your perceptions, your values, your behaviors.” This highlights why the "Millennial" label is so fitting; coming of age at the dawn of the digital revolution fundamentally reshaped their outlook compared to previous generations. By entering adulthood alongside the birth of the modern internet, their core values became inextricably linked to the rapid technological shift of the new millennium.
Dr. Abramson notes that millennials are often unfairly portrayed in the media as “lazy” or criticized for spending money on things like avocado toast instead of saving for housing. However, she also highlights an important strength shaped by growing up with the internet—they tend to be highly self-sufficient, as they can turn to online resources rather than relying solely on others to solve problems or learn new skills. In addition, they are often described as confident and curious, with a strong willingness to explore, adapt, and figure things out independently in a constantly changing world.
Millennials are also widely recognized as one of the most educated generations compared to those before them. In the UK, data from the House of Commons Library shows that around 40% of people in their late 20s and 30s hold a university degree. This marks a significant jump when compared to earlier generations; about 25% of Baby Boomers and just 15% of the Silent Generation had similar qualifications. Interestingly, research also highlights a generational shift in higher education patterns: millennial women are more likely to hold degrees than men of the same age group, making this the first generation where such a gender gap in education has reversed in this way.
Although millennials weren’t the first to take selfies, they’re the ones who turned them into a worldwide cultural norm. The introduction of smartphones with front-facing cameras changed everything, making it effortless to snap self-portraits anytime, anywhere. Paired with their natural comfort with the internet and the rapid growth of social media platforms, selfies quickly evolved beyond simple pictures. They became a way to express personality, tell stories, and even shape identity—shared instantly with audiences across the world in real time.
When it comes to work, millennials tend to prioritize balance in a way that sets them apart from earlier generations. Rather than focusing solely on long hours or traditional career ladders, they often seek roles that allow space for personal life, relationships, hobbies, and mental well-being. For many, success is no longer just about professional achievement, but also about maintaining a lifestyle that feels healthy, flexible, and fulfilling. This shift reflects a broader rethinking of what it means to build a meaningful career.
