Full History Of Millennials In Timeline From 1946

3 hours ago : Gen Z vs Millennials: Office Fashion and Relationship Rule Differences Emerge.

Gen Z is reshaping office fashion, rejecting perceived 'millennial' staples. They are also expressing shock at baby boomer relationship rules, highlighting evolving generational norms in both professional and personal spheres. The differences are significant.

1946: Army General Classification Test Analysis

In 2015, educational psychologist Jonathan Wai analyzed average test scores from the Army General Classification Test in 1946 (10,000 students). He found a consistent pattern: those with the highest test scores tended to choose physical sciences and engineering as their majors, while those with the lowest were more likely to choose education.

1949: Mao Zedong Begins Rule of China

Mao Zedong began his rule of China in 1949, remaining in power until 1976.

1950: Demographic Transition in Western Europe

From about 1750 to 1950, Western Europe transitioned from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates.

1950: Global Average Fertility Rate

In 1950, the global average fertility rate was 4.7.

1952: Selective Service College Qualification Test Analysis

In 2015, educational psychologist Jonathan Wai analyzed average test scores from the Selective Service College Qualification Test in 1952 (38,420 students). He found a consistent pattern: those with the highest test scores tended to choose physical sciences and engineering as their majors, while those with the lowest were more likely to choose education.

1953: Smaller vocabulary gap between adults and children

Intelligence researcher James R. Flynn discovered that back in the 1950s (since 1953), the gap between the vocabulary levels of adults and children was much smaller than it is in the early twenty-first century.

1955: Study on popular music trend

Joan Serrà and his team studied the Million Song Dataset and found that between 1955 and 2010, popular music has gotten louder, while the chords, melodies, and types of sounds used have become increasingly homogenized.

1960: Attitudinal shifts towards individualism

By the 1960s, people began moving from traditional and communal values towards more expressive and individualistic outlooks due to access to and aspiration of higher education.

1965: Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965

In 1965, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 (Hart–Celler Act) was passed, abolishing national quotas for immigrants and replacing it with a system based on skills and need for refuge.

1968: Rarity of Unmarried Mothers in America

In 1968, American mothers who never married were extremely rare, according to the Brookings Institution.

1971: U.S. fertility rates fall below replacement level

Since 1971, U.S. fertility rates have fallen below the replacement level of 2.1.

1974: Birth year of teenagers described as Generation Y

In August 1993, Advertising Age used the term "Generation Y" to describe teenagers, who were born in 1974.

1976: End of Mao Zedong's Rule of China

Mao Zedong's rule of China ended in 1976, after beginning in 1949.

1979: Introduction of the One-Child Policy in China

In 1979, China introduced the one-child policy, which contributed to a curb in the number of young people and a gender imbalance due to the traditional preference for sons.

1980: Millennials Born

A working paper by economists analyzed driving habits of the oldest millennials (born between 1980 and 1984).

1980: Start year of Millennials according to CNN

CNN reports that studies sometimes define millennials as born between 1980 and 2000.

1980: Sweden birthrate rose to 11.7

In 1980, Sweden's birth rate increased to 11.7.

1980: Vietnam's fertility rate dropped from 5

In 1980, Vietnam's fertility rate was 5.

1980: Birth year of teenagers described as Generation Y

In August 1993, Advertising Age used the term "Generation Y" to describe teenagers, who were born in 1980.

1980: Flynn analyzed the results of the Raven's Progressive Matrices test for British fourteen-year-olds

In a 2009 report, Flynn analyzed the results of the Raven's Progressive Matrices test for British fourteen-year-olds from 1980 to 2008, discovering a drop in average IQ.

1980: Start year for Millennials according to Ipsos MORI and others

Ipsos MORI and other institutions such as the UK Department of Health and Social Care, and psychologist Jean Twenge define Millennials as those born around 1980 to 1995.

1980: Beginning year of Geriatric Millennials

The term Geriatric Millennial gained popularity in 2021 to describe those born in the beginning half of the 1980s between 1980 and 1985.

1981: Start year of Millennials according to Population Reference Bureau

A 2023 report by the Population Reference Bureau defines millennials as those born from 1981 to 1999.

1981: Survey reveals changing views on women

In 1981, a survey found that only 35% of people aged 15 to 24 agreed that women needed children to be fulfilled, compared to over half of people aged 65 and over.

1981: Beginning birth year of Millennials

In 1981, researchers and popular media mark the beginning of the birth years for Millennials, also known as Generation Y or Gen Y.

1981: Start year for Millennials according to Australian Bureau of Statistics

In a 2021 Census report, the Australian Bureau of Statistics uses the years 1981 to 1995 to define millennials.

1981: Beginning birth year of Millennials according to Pew Research Center

The Pew Research Center defines Millennials as the people born from 1981 to 1996, choosing these dates for "key political, economic and social factors".

1982: Children born in 1982 entering kindergarten

Around 1982, children born in this year were entering kindergarten. Authors William Strauss and Neil Howe later coined the term "Millennials" in 1987 around this time.

1982: Ad Age used 1982 as the starting year for Generation Y

By 2003, Ad Age had moved their Generation Y starting year up to 1982, changing the initial definition.

1982: Millennial Generation Range

In 2014, Neil Howe revised the millennial generation to range from 1982 to 2004.

1982: Net Generation College Students

Students born in 1982 onwards, known as Net Generation college students, were frequently in touch with their parents and used technology at higher rates than people from other generations.

1982: Start year of Millennials according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office

The U.S. Government Accountability Office defines millennials as those born between 1982 and 2000.

1983: Start year of New Boomers according to Sociologist Elwood Carlson

Sociologist Elwood Carlson identified the birth years of 1983–2001 for the generation he calls "New Boomers", based on the upswing in births after 1983.

1984: Millennials Born

A working paper by economists analyzed driving habits of the oldest millennials (born between 1980 and 1984).

1985: Increase in divorce rates in EEC

Between 1960 and 1985, member states of the European Economic Community (EEC) saw a steady increase in divorce and out-of-wedlock births.

1985: End year of Geriatric Millennials

The term Geriatric Millennial gained popularity in 2021 to describe those born in the beginning half of the 1980s between 1980 and 1985.

1987: Strauss and Howe coined the term Millennials

In 1987, authors William Strauss and Neil Howe coined the term "Millennials" around the time children born in 1982 were entering kindergarten, and the media were first identifying their prospective link to the impending new millennium.

1988: Older Millennials Defined

Jesse Singal of New York magazine argues that older millennials, defined as those born in 1988 and earlier, came of age prior to widespread usage and availability of smartphone technology.

1989: Young Vietnamese population

In 1989, almost 40% of the Vietnamese population was 15 years of age or younger.

1989: Introduction of University Tuition Fees in Australia

In 1989, university tuition fees were introduced in Australia.

1989: Younger Millennials Defined

Jesse Singal of New York magazine argues that younger millennials, defined as those born in 1989 and later, were exposed to smartphone technology in their teen years.

August 1990: Peak of Echo Boom's birth rates in the United States

In August 1990, the echo boom's birth rates peaked in the United States, contributing to the large size of the Millennial generation.

1990: Sweden reached TFR of 2.14

In 1990, Sweden reached a total fertility rate (TFR) of 2.14, up from 1.68 in 1980.

1990: Vietnam's fertility rate dropped to 3.55

In 1990, Vietnam's fertility rate was 3.55, marking a decrease from 5 in 1980.

1990: Divorce Rate among 25-39 year olds

In 1990, the divorce rate among Americans aged 25 to 39 was 30 per 1,000 married persons. For those aged 50 and up, the divorce rate was 5 per 1,000 married persons. Among those aged 40 to 49, the divorce rate was 18 per 1,000 married persons.

1991: Generations: The History of America's Future, 1584 to 2069

In 1991, William Strauss and Neil Howe published "Generations: The History of America's Future, 1584 to 2069,", a book about generational theory.

Generations: The History of America’s Future, 1584 to 2069

Check it on Amazon

1991: Foreign-born residents in the United Kingdom

In 1991, the number of foreign-born residents in the United Kingdom stood at 6% of the population.

1992: Russia's population decline

Between 1992 and 2002, Russia's population dropped from 149 million to 144 million, due to the shocks from the decline and dissolution of the Soviet Union.

1992: Survey of Wharton Graduating Class on Family Planning

In 1992, a survey of the Wharton graduating class revealed that 78% of women planned to eventually have children.

August 1993: Advertising Age coined Generation Y

In August 1993, Advertising Age coined the phrase "Generation Y" to describe teenagers then aged 13-19 (born 1974-1980).

1994: End year for Millennials according to Australia's McCrindle Research

Australia's McCrindle Research uses the years 1980 to 1994 as Generation Y (millennial) birth years.

1995: End year for Millennials according to Australian Bureau of Statistics

In a 2021 Census report, the Australian Bureau of Statistics uses the years 1981 to 1995 to define millennials.

1995: Increased Tuition Fees and Student Aid

In the 1995 academic year, Australia, Austria, Japan, the Netherlands, and New Zealand saw an increase in both the average tuition fees of their public universities for full-time domestic students and the percentage of students taking advantage of state-sponsored student aid compared to 1995.

1996: Ending birth year of Millennials

In 1996, researchers and popular media mark the end of the birth years for Millennials, also known as Generation Y or Gen Y.

1996: Work Ethic Study

In 1996, researchers from the University of Missouri and The University of Tennessee conducted a study based on measurement equivalence to determine if differences in work ethic existed among generations.

1996: Ending birth year of Millennials according to Pew Research Center

The Pew Research Center defines Millennials as the people born from 1981 to 1996, choosing these dates for "key political, economic and social factors".

1998: Introduction of Tuition Fees in British Universities

In autumn 1998, a nominal tuition fee of £1,000 was introduced in British universities.

1999: End year of Millennials according to Population Reference Bureau

A 2023 report by the Population Reference Bureau defines millennials as those born from 1981 to 1999.

1999: University Degree Goal

In 1999, Prime Minister Tony Blair introduced the goal of having half of young Britons having a university degree.

2000: Sexual Inactivity Rate Among Young American Men

Between 2000 and 2002, 18.9% of men aged 18 to 24 were sexually inactive according to a 2020 study published in JAMA.

2000: Increase in Foreign-Born Voters

By the 2020 election, 10% of American voters were born outside the country, up from 6% in 2000. This change has an influence on the American political landscape.

2000: End year of Millennials according to CNN

CNN reports that studies sometimes define millennials as born between 1980 and 2000.

2000: Economic Activities in Large Metropolitan Areas

From 2000, before the COVID pandemic, economic activities tended to concentrate in the large metropolitan areas, such as San Francisco, New York, London, Tokyo and Sydney.

2000: Percentage of Young Adults Living with Parents

In 2000, 23% of young adults aged 18-34 were living with their parents. 43% of those aged 18-34 were married or living with a partner.

2000: Millennials Rising: The Next Great Generation

In 2000, William Strauss and Neil Howe published "Millennials Rising: The Next Great Generation,", a book about the Millennial generation.

Millennials Rising: The Next Great Generation

Check it on Amazon

2000: Millennial Generation Range

In 2015, the United States Census Bureau, using birth dates ranging from 1982 to 2000, stated the estimated number of U.S. millennials was 83.1 million people.

2001: Coining of "Digital Native" Term

In 2001, Marc Prensky coined the term "digital native" to describe "K through college" students, explaining they "represent the first generations to grow up with this new technology".

2001: End year of New Boomers according to Sociologist Elwood Carlson

Sociologist Elwood Carlson identified the birth years of 1983–2001 for the generation he calls "New Boomers", based on the upswing in births finishing with the "political and social challenges" that occurred after the 11 September terrorist acts.

2002: American University Enrollment

According to the Pew Research Center, 53% of American millennials attended or were enrolled in university in 2002.

2002: Russia's population decline

Between 1992 and 2002, Russia's population dropped from 149 million to 144 million, due to the shocks from the decline and dissolution of the Soviet Union.

2002: Sexual Inactivity Rate Among Young American Men

Between 2000 and 2002, 18.9% of men aged 18 to 24 were sexually inactive according to a 2020 study published in JAMA.

2002: Graduate Record Examination Analysis

In 2015, educational psychologist Jonathan Wai analyzed average test scores from the Graduate Record Examination between 2002 and 2005 (over 1.2 million students). He found a consistent pattern: those with the highest test scores tended to choose physical sciences and engineering as their majors, while those with the lowest were more likely to choose education.

2003: STEM Dropout Rate Measured

Between 2003 and 2009, The Atlantic reported that 48% of students majoring in STEM dropped out of their programs.

2003: Ad Age moved Generation Y starting year up to 1982

By 2003, Ad Age had moved their Generation Y starting year up to 1982, changing the initial definition.

2003: Invasion of Iraq

The Pew Research Center uses the 2003 invasion of Iraq as one of the "key political, economic and social factors" for defining the Millennial generation birth years.

2004: Millennial Generation Range

In 2014, Neil Howe revised the millennial generation to range from 1982 to 2004.

2005: End year of Millennials according to Neil Howe

Author Neil Howe, co-creator of the Strauss–Howe generational theory, defines millennials as "born 1982–2005?".

2005: Study on Religious Practices of Young Americans

In 2005, a study of 1,385 Americans aged 18 to 25 indicated that over half prayed regularly before meals. One-third discussed religion with friends, attended religious services, and read religious material weekly. However, 23% did not identify as religious practitioners.

2005: German University Fees

In 2005, judges in Karlsruhe, Germany, struck down a ban on university fees as unconstitutional.

2005: Graduate Record Examination Analysis

In 2015, educational psychologist Jonathan Wai analyzed average test scores from the Graduate Record Examination between 2002 and 2005 (over 1.2 million students). He found a consistent pattern: those with the highest test scores tended to choose physical sciences and engineering as their majors, while those with the lowest were more likely to choose education.

2006: Adult vocabulary gains on Wechsler IQ test

Between 1953 and 2006, adult gains on the vocabulary subtest of the Wechsler IQ test were 17.4 points whereas the corresponding gains for children were only 4.

2006: Increase in Overdose Deaths Among Millennials Begins

From 2006 to 2015, overdose deaths among millennials increased by 108%.

2006: Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled – and More Miserable Than Ever Before

In 2006, psychologist Jean Twenge described millennials as "Generation Me" in her book "Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled – and More Miserable Than Ever Before".

Generation Me - Revised and Updated: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled--and More Miserable Than Ever Before

Check it on Amazon

2006: Jean Twenge published "Generation Me"

In 2006, psychologist Jean Twenge, the author of the book "Generation Me", considers millennials, along with younger members of Generation X, to be part of what she calls "Generation Me".

Generation Me - Revised and Updated: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled--and More Miserable Than Ever Before

Check it on Amazon

2007: Volunteer Activity Increase

Between 2007 and 2008, volunteer activity within the millennial age group experienced almost three-times the increase of the overall population.

2007: Great Recession hits Italy

In 2007, the Great Recession began, which led to Italy's economy floundering.

2007: Connecting to the Net.Generation Book

In their 2007 book Connecting to the Net.Generation: What Higher Education Professionals Need to Know About Today's Students, authors Reynol Junco and Jeanna Mastrodicasa expanded on the work of William Strauss and Neil Howe to include research-based information about the personality profiles of millennials, especially as it relates to higher education.

Connecting to the Net. Generation : What Higher Education Professionals Need to Know about Today's Students

Check it on Amazon

2007: Financial Crisis

The financial crisis of 2007–2008 lead younger millennials coming of age to be "more practical" and "more attracted to industries with steady work and are more likely to say they are willing to work overtime".

2008: Volunteer Activity Increase

Between 2007 and 2008, volunteer activity within the millennial age group experienced almost three-times the increase of the overall population.

2008: Increase in Unmarried Mothers in America

By 2008, the number of unmarried mothers in America had become much more common, especially among the less educated, according to the Brookings Institution. 20.1% of mothers who never graduated high school never married, compared to 3.3% of those with at least 16 years of education.

2008: Decline in English Majors Begins

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics revealed that the number of people majoring in English began to plummet in 2008.

2008: Millennials as "Trophy Kids"

In 2008, author Ron Alsop labeled millennials as "Trophy Kids", a term reflecting a trend in competitive sports and other life aspects where mere participation is often rewarded, which has become an issue in corporate environments.

2008: Work Ethic Study Concluded

In 2008, researchers from the University of Missouri and The University of Tennessee concluded the work ethic study of 1,860 participants who had completed the Multidimensional Work Ethic Profile (MWEP), a survey aimed at measuring identification with work-ethic characteristics, across a 12-year period.

2008: Flynn analyzed the results of the Raven's Progressive Matrices test for British fourteen-year-olds

In a 2009 report, Flynn analyzed the results of the Raven's Progressive Matrices test for British fourteen-year-olds from 1980 to 2008, discovering a drop in average IQ.

2008: State-Sponsored Financial Aid in Sweden

In the 2008 academic year, virtually all Swedish students take advantage of state-sponsored financial aid packages from a govern agency known as the Centrala Studiestödsnämnden (CSN), which include low-interest loans with long repayment schedules.

2009: STEM Dropout Rate Measured

Between 2003 and 2009, The Atlantic reported that 48% of students majoring in STEM dropped out of their programs.

2009: Flynn analyzed the results of the Raven's Progressive Matrices test

In a 2009 report, Flynn analyzed the results of the Raven's Progressive Matrices test for British fourteen-year-olds from 1980 to 2008, discovering a drop in average IQ.

2010: Fertility rates in France and Sweden

In 2010, France and Sweden almost reached replacement level fertility rates, with 2.03 and 1.98 respectively.

2010: Millennial Workplace Expectations

In 2010, Myers and Sadaghiani found that millennials "expect close relationships and frequent feedback from supervisors" in the Journal of Business and Psychology.

2010: Pew Research Center Study on Millennials' Religious Affiliation

In 2010, a Pew Research Center study on millennials showed that among 18-29 year olds, only 3% self-identified as "atheists" and 4% as "agnostics". 68% identified as "Christians" (43% Protestants, 22% Catholics), while 25% were "Nones" and 75% were religiously affiliated.

2010: Millennials and Public Service

In 2010, research published in the Journal of Business and Psychology by Myers and Sadaghiani stated that heightened participation in the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps was a result of millennials, with volunteering being at all-time highs.

2010: Social Media Withdrawal Symptoms

In 2010, research was published in the Elon Journal of Undergraduate Research, claiming that students who used social media and decided to quit showed the same withdrawal symptoms as a drug addict quitting their stimulant.

2010: Study on popular music trend

Joan Serrà and his team studied the Million Song Dataset and found that between 1955 and 2010, popular music has gotten louder, while the chords, melodies, and types of sounds used have become increasingly homogenized.

2010: Singapore's birth rate stabilizes

Singapore's birth rate had fallen below the replacement level of 2.1 since the 1980s before stabilizing by 2010.

2011: Analysis of Sociosexual Tendencies and Religiousness

In 2011, social psychologists analyzed survey data and found that sociosexual tendencies played a significant role in determining religiousness. Religiousness was linked to seeking monogamous, marriage-oriented relationships with the primary goal of reproduction and child-rearing, at least within the United States.

2011: UCLA Data on STEM Attrition

In 2011, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that 60% of science and engineering students, including pre-medical students, changed their majors or failed to graduate. This was twice the attrition rate of all other majors combined.

2011: Universum's Survey

Universum's 2011 survey depicts a preference to work for companies engaged in the betterment of society.

2012: Ad Age conceded that Millennials is a better name than Gen Y

In 2012, Ad Age conceded that "Millennials is a better name than Gen Y,", indicating a shift in terminology.

2012: Pew Research Study on Irreligion in the U.S.

In 2012, a Pew Research study found that 32% of Americans aged 18–29 were irreligious, compared to 21% of those aged 30–49, 15% of those aged 50–64, and 9% of those aged 65 and above, highlighting a growing trend of irreligion among younger generations in the U.S.

2012: Estimated number of U.S. millennials

In 2012, a Time magazine article estimated that there were approximately 80 million U.S. millennials.

2012: Survey of Wharton Graduating Class on Family Planning

In 2012, a survey of the Wharton graduating class revealed that only 42% of women planned to eventually have children, a significant drop from 1992.

2012: Decline in Humanities Graduates Begins

In 2012, the number of graduates in the humanities started declining, with 234,737 graduates. This represents a turning away from liberal arts programs, according to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

2012: Introduction of Student Fees in the UK

In 2012, £9,000 worth of student fees were introduced in the UK.

2013: Survey on British youth opinion of BBC and national history

A 2013 survey of almost a thousand Britons aged 18 to 24 found that 62% had a favorable opinion of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and 70% felt proud of their national history.

2013: Time magazine cover story: Millennials: The Me Me Me Generation

In 2013, Time magazine ran a cover story titled "Millennials: The Me Me Me Generation", reflecting a particular perception of the generation.

2013: YouGov Poll on Religious Attendance and Beliefs in Britain

In 2013, a YouGov poll in Britain revealed that 56% of 18-24 year olds had never attended a place of worship (except for weddings or funerals). Furthermore, 25% believed in God, 19% in a "spiritual greater power", and 38% in neither. 14% viewed religion as a "cause of good", while 41% saw it as "the cause of evil".

2013: Mixed Martial Arts Popularity Increases

In 2013, a survey found that engagement with mixed martial arts had increased in the 21st century and was more popular than boxing and wrestling for Americans aged 18 to 34 years old, in contrast to those aged 35 and over who preferred boxing.

2013: Decrease in First Marriages in China

In 2013, the number of people getting married for the first time in China was 23.8 million, as reported by the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics.

2013: Swedish Student Debt

In 2013, the ratio of debt to expected income after graduation for Swedes was about 80%.

2013: National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) Survey

The 2013 National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) survey depicts a preference to work for companies engaged in the betterment of society.

March 2014: Pew Research Center Report on Millennials in Adulthood

In March 2014, the Pew Research Center reported that millennials are "detached from institutions and networked with friends". They are more optimistic about America's future but face higher student loan debt and unemployment.

2014: Corporate Social Responsibility

A 2014 Brookings publication shows a generational adherence to corporate social responsibility.

2014: Generation Y label was a placeholder until we found out more about them

In 2014, a past director of data strategy at Ad Age said to NPR "the Generation Y label was a placeholder until we found out more about them."

2014: Pew Research Center estimates millennial population

In 2014, the Pew Research Center estimated that millennials comprised 27% of the U.S. population.

2014: Pew Research Center findings on millennials in Europe

In 2014, the Pew Research Center found that, having faced the full brunt of the Great Recession, millennials in Europe tended to be pessimistic about the future direction of their countries.

2014: Urban Institute Projection on Millennial Marriage Rates

In 2014, the Urban Institute projected that if current trends continue, 31% of millennial women will remain single by age 40, approximately twice the share of their single Gen X counterparts. Data also showed similar trends for men.

2014: SAT Math and Verbal Analysis

In 2015, educational psychologist Jonathan Wai analyzed average test scores from the SAT Math and Verbal in 2014 (1.6 million students). He found a consistent pattern: those with the highest test scores tended to choose physical sciences and engineering as their majors, while those with the lowest were more likely to choose education.

2014: Generation Like PBS Frontline Episode

In the 2014 PBS Frontline episode "Generation Like", there is discussion about millennials, their dependence on technology, and the ways the social media sphere is commoditized.

Loading Video...

2014: E.U. population data

Overall, E.U. demographic data shows that in 2014 the number of people aged 18 to 33 was 24% of the population, with a high of 28% for Poland and a low of 19% for Italy.

2015: Microsoft study on phone usage

A 2015 study by Microsoft found that 77% of respondents aged 18 to 24 said yes to the statement, "When nothing is occupying my attention, the first thing I do is reach for my phone," compared to just 10% for those aged 65 and over.

2015: Analysis of European Values Study

According to 2015 analysis of the European Values Study in the Handbook of Children and Youth Studies, "the majority of young respondents in Europe claimed that they belonged to a Christian denomination", and "in most countries, the majority of young people believe in God".

2015: Lyft and Uber Use Among Young Adults

According to Pew, in 2015, 28% of U.S. adults aged 18 to 29 used Lyft or Uber. That number for all U.S. adults were 15% in 2015.

2015: Humanities Graduates Continue to Decline

By 2015, the number of graduates in the humanities had dropped to 212,512. This continues the trend started in 2012 where the American Academy of Arts and Sciences noted that students were turning away from liberal arts programs.

2015: Overdose Deaths Among Millennials Increase

From 2006 to 2015, overdose deaths among millennials increased by 108%.

2015: Youth Voter Turnout Surges in Canadian Federal Election

In 2015, Canadian millennials played a crucial role in the election of Justin Trudeau, driven by social and economic liberal values. The 2015 federal election saw a surge in youth voter turnout, influenced by Trudeau's progressive campaign promises.

2015: Conference in Shanghai examines Chinese Millennials

In 2015, a conference in Shanghai, organized by the University of Southern California's US–China Institute, examined and contrasted millennials in China with American millennials, looking at marriage, childbearing, child raising preferences, life and career ambitions, and attitudes towards volunteerism and activism.

2015: Wai Analyzes Test Scores and Majors

In 2015, educational psychologist Jonathan Wai analyzed average test scores from multiple time periods and found a consistent pattern: those with the highest test scores tended to choose physical sciences and engineering as their majors, while those with the lowest were more likely to choose education.

2015: Estimated number of U.S. millennials

In 2015, the United States Census Bureau, using birth dates ranging from 1982 to 2000, stated the estimated number of U.S. millennials was 83.1 million people.

2015: Divorce Rate among 25-39 year olds

In 2015, the divorce rate among Americans aged 25 to 39 dropped to 24 per 1,000 married persons. For those aged 50 and up, the divorce rate went up to 10 per 1,000 married persons. Among those aged 40 to 49, the divorce rate increased to 21 per 1,000 married persons.

2016: Young Adults More Likely to Use Public Transit

According to the Pew Research Center, in 2016, 21% of adults aged 18 to 21 took public transit on a daily, almost daily, or weekly basis. By contrast, this number of all U.S. adults was 11%.

2016: Marriage Rate of Russian Millennials

As of 2016, 54% of Russian millennials were married.

2016: Millennials as Majority of Veteran Population

As of 2016, millennials are the majority of the total veteran population.

2016: U.S. Population Median Age

As of 2016, the median age of the U.S. population was younger than that of all other rich nations except Australia, New Zealand, Cyprus, Ireland, and Iceland.

2016: Sexual Inactivity Rate Among Young American Men

Between 2016 and 2018, 30.9% of men aged 18 to 24 were sexually inactive according to a 2020 study published in JAMA.

2016: Millennial Women Giving Birth

By 2016, the cumulative number of American women of the millennial generation who had given birth at least once reached 17.3 million.

2016: Data from Survey of Consumer Finances

In 2016 the data was collected for the Survey of Consumer Finances that was used in the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis published research.

2016: Pew Research Study on Delayed Adulthood Milestones

In 2016, a Pew Research study showed that young adults aged 18–34 were more likely to live with parents than with a relationship partner, an unprecedented occurrence since data collection began in 1880. High student debt is described as one reason for continuing to live with parents.

2016: U.S. Study on Church Attendance and Religious Beliefs by Generation

In 2016, a U.S. study compared church attendance across generations, finding that young adults' attendance was 41% among Generation Z, 18% for millennials, 21% for Generation X, and 26% for Baby Boomers when they were the same age. A survey also showed that atheism and agnosticism were more prevalent among younger generations.

2016: Millennials Purchase More Cars and Trucks

In 2016, millennials purchased more cars and trucks than any living generation except the Baby Boomers; in fact, millennials overtook Baby Boomers in car ownership in California that year.

2016: United Kingdom European Union membership referendum (Brexit)

In 2016, the United Kingdom European Union membership referendum (Brexit) took place. Research suggests that fast ethno-demographic change is a key reason behind public backlash in the form of national populism, such as Brexit.

2016: Millennials' Electoral Power Peaked

In 2016, the electoral power of millennials (ages 24 to 39) peaked.

2016: Rescinding of the One-Child Policy in China

In 2016, the one-child policy in China was rescinded, but workplace discrimination against women with families remained commonplace.

2016: New arrivals in Australia below 40

In the fiscal year of 2016, 84% of new arrivals in Australia were below 40 years of age, compared to 54% of those already in the country.

2017: 2017 BBC report referred to the age range used by National Records of Scotland

A 2017 BBC report has also referred to the age range used by National Records of Scotland, that sometimes define millennials as born between 1980 and 2000.

2017: Study found a small decline in narcissism among young people since the 1990s

A study published in 2017 in the journal Psychological Science found a small decline in narcissism among young people since the 1990s, contradicting some earlier research.

2017: Millennial Veterans

According to the Pew Research Center, in 2017 only 4% of millennials ages 21 to 36 are veterans.

2017: Millennials' Activity Level Higher Than Generation X

According to the survey of 30,999 Americans, which was conducted in 2017, the Physical Activity Council's 2018 Participation Report found that millennials' activity level reported was higher overall than that of Generation X in 2017.

2017: English Majors Plummet by Over a Quarter

By 2017, data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that the number of people majoring in English had plummeted by just over a quarter since 2008. Meanwhile, majors in philosophy and religion fell 22%, and foreign languages dropped 16%.

2017: U.S. fertility rates fell to 1.765

In 2017, U.S. fertility rates fell to 1.765.

2017: Vietnam's fertility rate dropped to 1.95

In 2017, Vietnam's fertility rate was 1.95 and 23% of the Vietnamese population was 15 years of age or younger.

2017: Higher Education Rate

In 2017, almost half of young people in England had received higher education by the age of 30. As of 2017, women were more likely to attend or to have attended university than men, by 55% against 43%, a difference of 12 percentage points.

2017: Millennial Demographics in the US

In 2017, fewer than 56% of millennials were non-Hispanic whites, compared with more than 84% of Americans in their 70s and 80s, 57% had never been married, and 67% lived in a metropolitan area.

2017: Research on live music event attendance in the UK

In 2017, research suggested nearly half of 18 to 34 year olds living in the UK had attended a live music event in the previous year.

2017: Global Average Fertility Rate

In 2017, the global average fertility rate was 2.4, down from 4.7 in 1950.

February 2018: Survey Reveals Lack of Awareness of the Holocaust Among Millennials

In February 2018, a survey of 1,350 individuals revealed that 66% of American millennials (and 41% of all U.S. adults) surveyed did not know what Auschwitz was, while 41% incorrectly claimed that 2 million Jews or fewer were killed during the Holocaust. In addition, 22% said that they had never heard of the Holocaust.

2018: Increase in Lyft and Uber Use Among Young Adults

According to Pew, in 2018, 51% of U.S. adults aged 18 to 29 used Lyft or Uber compared to 28% in 2015.

2018: Millennials Projected to Have Highest Rates of Overweight and Obesity

According to a 2018 report from Cancer Research UK, millennials in the United Kingdom are on track to have the highest rates of overweight and obesity. More than 70% of millennials will be overweight or obese by ages 35–45, compared to 50% of Baby boomers at the same ages.

2018: Association Football Second Most Popular Sport Among Millennials

As of 2018, association football and Major League Soccer was the second most popular sport among millennials (those aged 18 to 34).

2018: Immigration surge in the United Kingdom

As of 2018, immigration had surged in the United Kingdom since 1991 and had not fallen since.

2018: Sexual Inactivity Rate Among Young American Men

Between 2016 and 2018, 30.9% of men aged 18 to 24 were sexually inactive according to a 2020 study published in JAMA.

2018: Italians move abroad

In 2018, 150,000 Italians moved abroad, many of whom were young people seeking educational and economic opportunities.

2018: Generations are squishy concepts

In 2018, Jonathan Rauch wrote for The Economist that "generations are squishy concepts", although the 1981 to 1996 birth cohort is widely accepted as the definition for millennials.

2018: Report on Declining Sexual Intercourse Among Young Adults

In 2018, Kate Julian reported in The Atlantic that multiple countries saw a decline in the frequency of sexual intercourse among teenagers and young adults, despite the availability of online dating platforms and contraception.

2018: Singapore's birth rate falls to lowest since 2010

In 2018, Singapore's birth rate reached 1.14, making it the lowest since 2010 and one of the lowest in the world. Government incentives like the baby bonus have not been enough to raise the birth rate.

2018: Vietnam's Median Age in 2018

In 2018, Vietnam's median age was 26 and rising, and life expectancy had climbed from 60 to 76 since the 1970s.

2018: Children Living with Married Parents in the US

In 2018, in the United States, 94% of children from families in the highest income quintile lived with married parents, followed by 74% of children of the middle class and 35% of the bottom quintile.

2018: Gender imbalances in China and India

In 2018, the United Nations reported severe gender imbalances in China and India. China had 112 males aged 15 to 29 for every 100 females, while India had 111 males for every 100 females. China had 34 million excess males and India had 37 million, which fueled loneliness, human trafficking, and prostitution.

2018: Millennials More Active Than Baby Boomers

The Physical Activity Council's 2018 Participation Report found that in the U.S., millennials were more likely than other generations to participate in water sports such as stand-up paddling, board-sailing and surfing, and were more active than Baby Boomers in 2017.

2019: Swedish Study on Men's Desire for Children

A 2019 study revealed that among 191 Swedish men aged 20 to 50, 39 were not fathers and did not want to have children in the future (20.4%).

2019: Increase in Heart Attacks Among Young Americans

According to a 2019 report from the American College of Cardiology, the prevalence of heart attacks among Americans under the age of 40 increased by an average rate of two percent per year in the previous decade.

2019: Global Annual Rate of Growth

According to the United Nations, in 2019 the global annual rate of growth has been declining steadily since the late twentieth century, dropping to about one percent.

2019: Total College Debt Exceeds US$1.5 Trillion

As of 2019, the total college debt has exceeded US$1.5 trillion, and two out of three college graduates are saddled with debt. A 2019 survey by TD Ameritrade found that over 18% of millennials (and 30% of Generation Z) said they have considered taking a gap year between high school and college.

2019: Further Decline in First Marriages in China

By 2019, the number of people getting married for the first time in China had dropped to 13.9 million, a 41% decrease from 2013. The marriage rate also declined to 6.6 per 1,000 people.

2019: Top Countries for High-Skilled Workers

In 2019, KDM Engineering determined that the top five countries for international high-skilled workers are Switzerland, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Sweden.

2019: Study on Declining Sexual Activity in the UK

In 2019, a study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found a similar trend of declining sexual activity in the United Kingdom.

2019: Wealth and Income Premiums Study

In 2019, the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis published research demonstrating that for families with heads of household with post-secondary education but born after 1980 the wealth premium has weakened and the income premium has declined to historic lows.

2019: Millennials Outnumber Baby Boomers

In 2019, the Pew Research Center estimated that millennials (defined as those born between 1981 and 1996) outnumbered baby boomers (born from 1946 to 1964) for the first time, with 72.1 million millennials compared to 71.6 million baby boomers.

2019: Pew Research Center Poll on Dating Difficulties

In 2019, the Pew Research Center found that 47% of American adults believed dating had become more difficult in the last decade. Majorities of both men and women agreed that the #MeToo movement posed challenges for the dating market. Half of single adults were not looking for a romantic relationship.

2019: Youth unemployment rate in Italy

In 2019, the youth unemployment rate in Italy was at 35%.

March 2020: Report on Childlessness in Belgium

In March 2020, Quest reported that, in Belgium, 11% of women and 16% of men between the ages of 25 and 35 did not want children.

2020: Study on Declining Sexual Activity Among Young Americans

In 2020, a study published in JAMA found that young Americans had sexual intercourse less frequently in the 21st century. The share of sexually inactive men aged 18-24 increased from 18.9% (2000-2002) to 30.9% (2016-2018).

2020: Increase in Remote Work Due to Pandemic

In 2020, the COVID pandemic led to an increase in remote work, more so in developed countries, aided by technology.

2021: Gender Imbalance in China

As of 2021, China had over 30 million "surplus" men due to gender imbalance caused by the preference for sons as a result of the one-child policy.

2021: Australian Bureau of Statistics uses the years 1981 to 1995 to define Millennials

In 2021, the Australian Bureau of Statistics used the years 1981 to 1995 to define millennials in a Census report.

2021: Drug Overdoses Leading Cause of Death for People Aged 25-44

In 2021, the leading cause of death for people aged 25–44 were drug overdoses (classified as poisonings by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

2021: Geriatric Millennial term gained popularity

In 2021, the term Geriatric Millennial gained popularity to describe those born in the beginning half of the 1980s between 1980 and 1985.

2022: U.S. Census publication noted colloquially defined millennial birth years

In 2022, a U.S. Census publication noted that millennials are "colloquially defined as the cohort born from 1981 to 1996", and used this definition in a breakdown of Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) data.

2023: 2023 report by the Population Reference Bureau defines millennials

A 2023 report by the Population Reference Bureau defines millennials as those born from 1981 to 1999.

2023: Millennials' attendance to the movie Barbie and Taylor Swift's Eras Tour

In 2023, millennial fans came out in large numbers for the movie Barbie and musician Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

Loading Video...

2025: Australia's working-age population expected to grow

Australia's working-age population is expected to grow until about 2025, like other immigrant-friendly countries.

2025: Generation Alpha Population Projection

By 2025, the number of people belonging to Generation Alpha is expected to reach two billion.

2050: Revised Projection of Human Population

According to the United Nations, their projection of human population in 2050 was revised down to 9.7 billion due to fertility rates falling faster than previously thought in the developing world.

2069: Reference year in Generations: The History of America's Future, 1584 to 2069

2069 is the end-year mentioned in William Strauss and Neil Howe's book "Generations: The History of America's Future, 1584 to 2069", a book about generational theory published in 1991.