Millennials, we are the avocado toast-eating, participation trophy-winning generation burdened with student loans and the ever-fleeting dream of homeownership. The internet loves to poke fun at us, but let's be honest – sometimes the jokes hit a little too close to home. Here are 18 brutal truths about being a millennial that the internet gets painfully right:
The Side Hustle Struggle
Credit: freepik
We're the kings and queens of the side hustle, freelancing our nights and weekends away just to make ends meet. While the internet celebrates our entrepreneurial spirit, it doesn't mention the constant hustle mentality and the struggle to achieve financial security.
Adulting Feels Like an Improv Class
Credit: Getty Images
Nobody taught us how to adult! We're figuring out taxes, homeownership, and retirement plans on the fly, and the internet loves to document our hilarious (and sometimes disastrous) attempts.
We're Champions of Social Causes
Credit: freepik
From climate change to social justice, millennials are passionate about making a difference. The internet amplifies our activism, but it also highlights the frustration of navigating complex issues with limited resources.
The Rent is Too Damn High (Everywhere)
Credit: freepik
Remember that iconic protest sign? Yeah, the internet feels our pain. Skyrocketing rent prices and a competitive housing market make finding affordable housing a constant battle.
Burnout is Our Middle Name
Credit: freepik
We juggle multiple jobs, side hustles, and social lives, and burnout is a very real threat. The internet reflects our exhaustion with funny memes about needing a nap from our nap, but it doesn't solve the underlying pressure to achieve constantly.
We're Champions of Communication (Except with Phone Calls)
Credit: freepik
Texting? Social media? We're all over it. But put a phone in our hands and ask us to make a call? The internet captures our social anxiety around traditional phone calls perfectly.
We Speak the Language of Emojis
Credit: iStockphoto
A well-placed emoji can say a thousand words. The internet celebrates our love of expressive emojis, but it also highlights our potential reliance on nonverbal communication over clear conversation.
Streaming Giants are Our Overlords
Credit: iStockphoto
No more cable packages. Millennials are all about Netflix, Hulu, and endless streaming options. The internet both celebrates our love of on-demand entertainment and pokes fun at our tendency to binge-watch entire seasons on a weekend.
Adulting Requires Google
Credit: iStockphoto
Need to fix a leaky faucet? Change a tire? Google is our ultimate DIY guru. The internet laughs at our dependence on search engines, but hey, at least we're resourceful!
Avocado Toast: A Delicious But Misunderstood Meal
Credit: iStockphoto
Sure, we love avocado toast, but it's not the reason we can't afford houses! The internet uses this stereotype to mock our spending habits, but it ignores the larger issues of income inequality and stagnant wages.
We're ALL About Nostalgia
Credit: Reddit
From 1990s cartoons to childhood snacks, millennials love a good nostalgia trip. The internet thrives on our fondness for the past, but it also highlights our tendency to get lost in rose-tinted memories.
We're Bookworms (But Maybe Not the Traditional Kind)
Credit: freepik
Millennials devour information, but not always from physical books. The internet pokes fun at our love of online articles and audiobooks, but it doesn't negate our thirst for knowledge.
Our Memes are Our Therapy
Credit: freepik
A funny meme can brighten the darkest day. The internet celebrates our reliance on humor to cope with stress, but it's a reminder that sometimes, laughter is the best medicine.
We Crave Validation (Online and Off)
Credit: iStockphoto
Likes, comments, and shares – they all give us a little dopamine hit. The internet reflects our desire for social validation, but it's a good reminder that self-worth shouldn't be based on online metrics.
Student Loan Debt is a Millennial Albatross
Credit: freepik
We graduated into a recession and got slammed with student loan debt. The internet amplifies our financial struggles, but it also highlights the need for reform in higher education.
Adulting is Expensive (and Confusing)
Credit: iStockphoto
Adulthood is full of unexpected financial burdens, from hidden fees to surprise bills. The internet captures our frustration with navigating the complexities of personal finance.
We Prioritize Experiences Over Stuff
Credit: freepik
Millennials value experiences like travel and concerts over material possessions. The internet celebrates our adventurous spirit, but it also highlights the challenges of affording these experiences in a tight economy.
We're Deep Down, a Pretty Optimistic Bunch
Credit: iStockphoto
Despite the struggles, millennials believe in making the world a better place. The internet reflects our idealism, but it also challenges us to channel that optimism into actionable change. Sure, the internet loves to poke fun at millennials, but there's truth and empathy mixed in with the humor. We are a generation facing unique challenges, but we're also resourceful, driven, and passionate about creating a positive future. Here's to navigating adulthood, memes and all!
