Optimistic, self-expressive and technology-driven are words that describe the millennials, according to a new study released by the Pew Research Center last week.
The millennials, which cover those born from 1981 to 2000, are America's newest generation. According to the study, this generation is more ethnically and racially diverse, less religious and more optimistic about its future, despite the economic situation.
However, the results of the study might not reflect characteristics of the entire generation, associate professor of sociology Melinda Messineo said.
"When they do these sort of generational comparisons, they can overstate or overemphasize differences that aren't as meaningful," she said. "I think generational studies are useful, but we have to think of them within a broader context."
The optimistic tendency of the millennials might be shown by the older and younger members, but attitudes might be different for students graduating this year.
"I find talking to seniors ... they are nervous. They are out there in the market right now, they are trying to find a job and they are hitting dead ends," Messineo said. "I don't think they are naive, I don't think they are unrealistic, and I see this when I talk with them. I think that generally being hopeful is positive for a population, but I think that we also need to be aware of the stress that they are experiencing."
Optimism is seen, however, in Ball State students who will seek jobs in the future.
Despite the difficulties in finding jobs at the time, junior international business major Ajmal Paiman said he is not very worried about his immediate future.
"One of the reasons I feel luckier than older generations is that I am studying and living and learning in an age of technology. I think that's an advantage," he said.
One of the millennials' emphasized features mentioned in the study was their familiarity with technology, as all of the members in the generation grew up with technological advancements.
Messineo said being too familiar with technology might not be entirely good since it has made the generation more fast-paced and the expectations are subsequently higher.
"We have more social connections but the depth of our connections are more shallow," she said. "People might need to have a lot of connections but the number of close friends they have are diminishing."
The use of technology and the fast pace in the millennials' lives might not be the healthiest for them either.
"They want to embrace all opportunities, which makes a lot of sense, but they often embrace opportunities without having sight of what their true interests and values are and they find that they are investing so much of their energy in checking off this box," Messineo said. "It's diminishing their happiness, their energy, their motivation because it's not meaningful to them, it's not rejuvenating them. I see students completely burn out, ready to drop out."
That is true for junior news-broadcast major Kelly Quarles, who said she is religious but feels she is too busy to go to church. She said she is working hard to have a job once she graduates.
"We are really inquisitive and information-seeking; we are just trying to do the best we can," she said.
However, Paiman said he thought the current generation is in a transition period of redefining concepts based on relations and society.
"We are shifting from one era to another, that's why we have some ups and downs," he said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
