The articles by Buzzfeed News and Time Magazine have given millennials a positive and negative image. It was interesting to read how both articles diverted the blame for the laziness and other characteristics of millennials to the parents. The article by Time Magazine was much more pleasant to read because instead of bashing on millennials for being the way they are, they chose to embrace their characteristics and put their potential into view.

Some of the characteristics given to the generation are relatable. For instance, in the article “How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation,” the author states “Efficiency is our existential purpose, and we are a generation of finely honed tools, crafted from embryos to be lean, mean production machines.” This is true, people my age have adapted to finding more efficient ways of doing things, not because we are lazy, but because it saves us time and allows us to move onto something else.

The article also states that millennials partake in “branding” which is basically a way to market themselves and “attest to their personality.” Because social media plays such a large role in my life, this is a characteristic that I can identify with. However, I would not call it “branding” because I posses different uses for social media. 

In the article “Millennials: The Me Me Me Generation,” the author states that millennials are found to be more narcissistic than any older generation, however, I find that difficult to understand. There is a difference between being empowered throughout one’s childhood and being completely in love with oneself. In my opinion, the word narcissism should not be associated with the word millennial. I believe that millennials and younger generations are being raised differently, are being more empowered if one could say, allowing them to be more comfortable with themselves and others around them. Thus, making millennials the “nice” generation (Millennials: The Me Me Me Generation).

Some additional characteristics stated in the article “Millennials: The Me Me Me Generation” are that “millennials are more accepting of differences, not just among gays, women and minorities but in everyone.” This is definitely true since younger generations are more exposed and accepting than older ones. Another characteristic stated in the article is that “they have massive fear of missing out and have an acronym for everything (including FOMO).” I do find myself often getting FOMO which is mainly why I am never home and am always keeping myself busy. 

After reading these articles I do not consider myself a millennial. The large age group makes it difficult to consider people my age millennials. Since there are so many differences in the way older millennials grew up and the way people my age grew up, it would be hard to categorize myself within that group of people. Although there are many shared characteristics between millennials and whatever generation people my age would be considered, there are also many differences in our lifestyles.