My generation negative and postive issues - Essay Example

My Generation Being born in 1985 I ostensibly belong to Generation Y making me a Millennial. There is a large array of social theory on this generation and while I don’t debate that much of it is accurate, growing up in this generation I have developed my own perspective. Considering my generation from an overarching perspective I recognize that one of the defining characteristics, despite it otherwise being insignificant, is growing up in a generation that experienced the transition between the 20th and 21st centuries.

Having experienced this shift I believe a greater emphasis is placed on themes such as futurity and technological advancement than other generations may have experienced. Even while outside perspectives on Generation Y might overemphasize technology when examining this generation, I recognize that the explosion of the Internet and the personal computer were defining characteristics. In these regards, my generation will be recognized as the last generation to emerge in an era before the Internet.

When I consider the implications of such an occurrence, I recognize that it has positive and negative elements. Millennials were the last to experience the unfettered nature of existence prior to the onslaught of technological mediation that accompanied the computer, while at the same time being introduced to this technology at a formative enough period to grasp its more subtle concepts. Undoubtedly future generations growing up in this new world will build on Internet achievements, but they will always lack the more natural connection with the physical world of prior ages.

Another prominent defining characteristic of my generation is experiencing the shifting economic stratosphere. This has been a unique experience as the 90s brought unparalleled economic growth and development only to result in a bubble economy that would pop in 1999 and then, as a result of the subprime mortgage crisis, collapse in 2008. I believe this experience has had a negative impact on my generation, as we had become accustomed to one way of living only to have it taken away. When I consider movements such as the Occupy Wall Street protests I recognize that although income disparity is a pressing concern, a great amount of the protestors are simply discontent at their inability to attain high paying employment.

I believe growing up in a bubble economy greatly conditioned them to expect this out of life, resulting in a youth culture of entitlement. While there are negative aspects of my generation I also recognize that there is much to be optimistic about. Having grown up in an age of unparalleled global integration and virtually unhindered access to information, tremendous social gains have been established. The recent revolution in Egypt was greatly aided by Facebook and Twitter, both of which are products that were designed by Generation Y.

Even as we are a generation of entitlement, I also recognize we are a generation of optimism, progress, and innovation. Ultimately, I believe these are traits that will carry this generation into the 21st century, deliver the Western world from its economic strife and contribute to the furthered democratization of the globe.