We Will Change the World

Millennial: noun; a young person who is prone to narcissism and favors technology over basic human interaction.

This is a stereotype; one that I am sick and tired of hearing.

I don't believe Generation Y is any more addicted to technology than Generation X. In fact, we may be less. I believe that -- I see that -- this generation is incredibly powerful, incredibly influential, and yet our significance is still oftentimes overlooked.

Many argue that the Liberals never would have won the Canadian federal election if not for young voters. And look at the following of millennials Bernie Sanders gained in such a short span of time during the U.S. Presidential election -- with hashtags like "Bernie or Bust" and supporters boosting Kickstarters.

I can't say for sure, but I suspect if Hillary Clinton had actually listened to the concerns of this generation right from the beginning and had taken advantage of social media and other means to spread awareness of her goals and ideals -- rather than trying to "appeal to the youths" through painful Vines -- she may have reached a critical mass of voters.

This comic (right) is a much more authentic portrayal of millennials. It really impressed me the first time I saw it, partially for its message, but mainly because the girl's tablet is presented as a useful tool to gather information, rather than just another Millennial Brain Rotting Device™. And the fact that seeing that is so rare should be telling enough.

I work with group of incredibly driven and hard-working individuals; the vast majority of whom are (you guessed it!) millennials. We have been told several times by our very supportive instructors that we are the future of journalism. We are shown the advantages technology gives us in our future careers (Skype interviews, IM, faster fact-checking, etc.) we are encouraged to explore the new mediums technology has created for us (blogging, YouTube/vlogging), yet the generations above us still look on with disdain when we opt to look at our phones -- often searching for stories, messaging contacts, or perhaps just taking a much-needed break by laughing at memes -- rather than humor complete strangers on the bus.

The very basis of journalism is to embrace change, isn't it? To learn about it, to report it and to grow with it.

~ Stay Salty ~