Technological advancement is likely the key motivator for the millennial generation. A quick glance at the news on any given day features some new app that is being developed, technology updates to keep up with the ever-changing state of our world and the latest and greatest piece of software or hardware. Much of this is developed by or tailored to young millennials.
We’ve all heard the argument that millennials are lazy or they don’t appreciate hard work or all they want are free handouts. While this may be true for a portion of our generation, it is unfair to criticize the whole group. In just the last ten years innovations by millennials have advanced computers, cars, healthcare, and numerous other aspects so integral to our daily lives.
Millennials may be many things but they are certainly innovative. Every six months (or so it seems) Apple rolls out its new line of products, much to the dismay of those who have become accustomed to the old technology. Is it over the top? Maybe. Then again, no one is using a flip phone from 2004 anymore. These advancements are created to make life easier, more efficient if you will, and have become necessary.
Further backing up this previous point, Fortune reporter Art Papas wrote an article on the millennial workers and their place in society. In it he states: “Technologies borne of the millennial mindset give us flexibility, agility, mobility, and a personal touch. These qualities improve life for all of us, regardless of our age or generation.”
As I sit here writing this, admittedly as a millennial myself, I’m excited to be a part of the world today. Literally, anything we want is at our fingertips. We can connect with someone halfway around the world with the press of a button. In reality, any bit of information we want we can have. So while we are being condemned for our laziness, disaffected attitude (just to name a few criticisms) we should be lauded for our capacity to see the world more broadly and if we are lucky, to create new and exciting products that bring that world closer together.
To my millennial friends I propose a question: do you want to be someone who lives up to the stereotype? Or do you want to shatter that view and prove that there is a work ethic inside this generation, that we have and do create a positive impact on society and that maybe, just maybe, the future (when we’re the entirety of the workforce) may not be such a bad place after all.
