By Staff

RICHMOND, Va. (BP)–Gen Y. Millennials. Generation 2001. New
Powerbuilders.

They have as many names as their Generation X “elders,” generally
defined as the 44.6 million Americans born between 1965 and 1976.
And while they mirror Xers in some ways, Americans born in the
last two decades are different in others:

— Unlike many Xers neglected or abused during the chaotic ’60s
and ’70s, Gen Y as a group is more wanted, cherished and
protected — sometimes overprotected — by its parents. But they
fear drugs, crime, being shot at their school bus stop.

— Millennials know technology. Personal computers are their
pencil and paper. Nearly 60 percent of households with children
age 7 or under have PCs. Any year now, typical term papers will
feature PC-based, full-motion video. Gen Ys talk to people all
over the world on the Internet, bringing many cultures home.

— Raised and schooled among varied races and cultures,
Millennials are shedding old racial prejudices and stereotypes.
They expect to see a nonwhite U.S. president elected in their
lifetime.

— Nine out of 10 college freshmen have specific goals for the
next five years. Three out of four have done volunteer work in
the last year. Two out of three say a career helping others is
more important than making lots of money.

— Millennials trust older people more than Xers and boomers did
as teens. People they admire most: Mom and Dad, in that order.
Least: Xers. Most admired virtues: honesty and integrity. They’re
“good scouts,” says social historian Frank Gregorsky. “Teenagers
aren’t as angry as they used to be, and the generation right
behind them shows much less hostility and nihilism.”

— One study describes Gen Y as “spontaneous, realistic,
action-oriented, alternative, responsive, aggressive, humorous,
spirited, passionate.” Another calls today’s youth “globally
conscious, environmentally aware, spiritually sensitive, and
hands-on.”

— Of teens attending Southern Baptist summer youth conferences
last year, 95 percent identified themselves as Christians; 93
percent said they pray daily or weekly; and 64 percent read their
Bibles that often. But half admitted they seldom tell others
about Jesus.

(Sources: Wall Street Journal, Baptist Press, Louis Harris poll,
LifeWay Christian Resources, Biola University.)