10 Millennial Characteristics to Decode a Generation

Millennials were the first generation to grow up with the internet, making them true digital natives.

From instant messaging on AOL to streaming on Netflix, their lives have unfolded alongside the digital world. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram shaped not only how Millennials communicate but also how they view identity and community.

The vast majority of Millennials pursued higher education, with a significant number earning a bachelor’s degree. But unlike prior generations, they paid a steep price.

Millennials hold the largest share of student loan debt, accounting for nearly half (47 percent) of the nation’s outstanding student loan balance. This burden has delayed key milestones like buying a home or starting families.

Open communication about mental health is one of the most notable Millennial characteristics. Unlike older generations who may have avoided the topic, Millennials have normalized therapy, mindfulness, and mental wellness apps.

Nearly half of Millennials (46 percent) reported experiencing anxiety or depression in 2023, but they're also more likely to seek help. Younger generations (Gen Z and Gen Alpha) have carried the momentum with attention to mental health.

Millennials are getting married and having kids later in life — if at all. While Boomers and the Silent Generation often started families in their early 20s, Millennials are delaying these steps into their thirties.

This isn’t about abandoning tradition, but rather adapting to economic realities and prioritizing personal growth.

Compared to older generations, Millennials lean heavily toward progressive politics. They're more supportive of racial and gender equality, climate change action, and LGBTQ+ rights. Millennials are also more likely to identify as independents, with many distrusting traditional institutions.

Millennials’ progressive views have pushed American politics in a more liberal direction on social issues. For example, a strong majority of Millennials favor legal recognition of same-sex marriage, in stark contrast to the opposition seen in older generations

The Great Recession hit Millennials at a pivotal time. Many were entering the workforce just as jobs were disappearing, and the economic fallout lingered for years.

As a result, Millennial life has been marked by underemployment, stagnant wages, and a delay in wealth accumulation compared to other generations at the same age.

Unlike previous generations, Millennials view work as part of life, not its centerpiece. They value flexibility, purpose, and work-life balance. This has fueled the rise of remote work, gig jobs, and an emphasis on company culture.

Similarly, Millennials are redefining family, with more embracing nontraditional paths like cohabitation without marriage or choosing not to have children.

Millennials are the most racially and ethnically diverse adult generation in U.S. history, with 43 percent of Millennials identifying as non-white (more than any prior generation).

A significant number identify as ethnic minorities, reflecting decades of immigration and demographic change. This diversity influences everything from popular music and media to politics and consumer trends.

While they’re known for smartphone addiction, Millennials actually straddle the line between analog and digital. They remember life before smartphones and appreciate both digital convenience and analog nostalgia.

This gives them a unique vantage point compared to Generation Z, who’ve only known the digital world.

For Millennials, success isn't just about money or status. It’s about balance, fulfillment, and authenticity. Whether choosing to rent instead of buy, move to places like San Francisco for lifestyle over salary, or prioritize time with kids over overtime, Millennials are rewriting the rules of adulthood.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.