Conceited Millenials

In recent years, the narrative around millennials has often revolved around our purported confidence in having life all figured out. We are seen as tech-savvy, socially conscious, and fiercely independent—qualities that supposedly set us apart from previous generations, particularly the baby boomers. However, this veneer of self-assurance and the accompanying disdain for the older generation reveals a paradox: in many ways, millennials are acting just like the boomers we mock.

We Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, grew up during a time of rapid technological advancement and societal change. We’ve been labeled as the generation that demands work-life balance, values experiences over possessions, and prioritizes mental health. Yet, my same generation often exhibits a striking sense of entitlement and superiority, reminiscent of the baby boomer era.

Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, were once the poster children of rebellion and change. They were the generation of civil rights movements, anti-war protests, and cultural revolutions. They too believed they had the answers to the world’s problems and criticized their predecessors for being out of touch. Fast forward a few decades and many boomers settled into the very institutions they once challenged, becoming the epitome of the establishment they initially sought to dismantle.

Millennials’ critique of boomers often centers on the latter’s perceived resistance to change, environmental neglect, and economic policies that have, in part, contributed to the struggles younger generations face today. Yet, in their fervor to distinguish themselves, millennials sometimes display a similar lack of self-awareness. We mock boomers for being out of touch with technology while simultaneously dismissing the value of life experience and historical context. We are mocked for thinking we are special, but it sure feels like we are acting like it though. 

Consider the workplace. Millennials pride themselves on being adaptable and innovative, often touting their proficiency with the latest digital tools. However, our insistence on new methodologies can sometimes come off as dismissive of traditional practices that still hold value. This mirrors how boomers once viewed the pre-war generation's ways as outdated and irrelevant, only to realize later that some of those methods had enduring merit. 

Social media amplifies this conceit. Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Reddit are filled with my age cohort showcasing their entrepreneurial ventures and lifestyle choices as evidence of having figured it all out. The curated perfection of these digital personas can create an echo chamber where dissenting or older viewpoints are not just ignored but ridiculed. It’s a digital reflection of the same insular attitudes boomers were accused of in their prime.

Furthermore, the millennial emphasis on authenticity and transparency can sometimes border on performative. The constant need to project an image of success and self-assurance can lead to a superficial understanding of personal and professional fulfillment. It’s reminiscent of material success and social status, which boomers were often criticized for prioritizing. “I am not only (fill in the blank viewpoint or perspective), I am the most and bestest!”

In reality, no generation has all the answers. Assuming anyone does or has it more figured out is a logical fallacy at best, horrifically blinded by ego at worst.  The challenges facing society today—climate change, economic inequality, and social justice—require a collective effort that transcends generational divides. We millennials could benefit from acknowledging that while we bring valuable perspectives, so do the generations that came before them. Dismissing the wisdom of older generations is as short-sighted as boomers disregarding the ideas of their predecessors.

The central irony is clear: in our quest to define ourselves against the backdrop of boomer culture, we millennials have inadvertently mirrored some of the same attitudes they disdain. Recognizing this pattern is not just a step towards humility but also towards a more inclusive and cooperative approach to solving the pressing issues of our time. If millennials truly want to forge a different path, it begins with embracing the complexity and contributions of all generations, not just our own.

Books used and links to buy:

• Generations by Strauss and Howe: https://amzn.to/4dRXdTl

• The Fourth Turning by Strauss and Howe: https://amzn.to/4dUAEgQ

References: 

• Strauss, W., & Howe, N. (1991). Generations: The history of America's future, 1584 to 2069. William Morrow & Company 

• Strauss, W., & Howe, N. (1997). The fourth turning: An American prophecy. Broadway Books 

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT. https://chat.openai.com/