millennials

Millennials are a generational cohort defined by birth years roughly from 1981 to 1996, though exact cutoffs vary by organization. Demographers at Pew Research Center, for example, use 1981–1996. The cohort follows Generation X and precedes Generation Z.

Growing up in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Millennials witnessed the rise of the internet, personal computing, and mobile technology. They experienced the transition from analog to digital media, the expansion of social networks, and economic events such as the Great Recession and rising student debt. These factors have shaped trends in education, work, and financial planning.

In the labor market, Millennials are often associated with valuing flexibility, meaningful work, collaboration, and opportunity for advancement. They are comfortable with digital communication, remote or hybrid work, and rapid information exchange. Consumer patterns have shifted toward experiences, digital services, and sustainable or socially conscious products. Millennials are more ethnically and culturally diverse in many regions and have contributed to changes in family structures, urban living, and attitudes toward work and life balance.

Despite broad claims, Millennials show substantial variation by country, class, race, and gender. Critics note that stereotypes—such as labeling the entire cohort as entitled—misrepresent individuals and ignore economic conditions like debt, unemployment, and housing costs that influence their choices.

As Millennials age, their influence continues to shape higher education, the labor market, housing, and politics.