Parenting
If You Were Born Between 1985 and 1995, You Belong to a Truly Distinct Generation
by Jamie Carter
Updated: March 25, 2023
Originally Published: March 25, 2023
It’s often stated that millennials have faced significant challenges, and that’s no exaggeration. Previous generations may not fully understand the unique experiences we’ve encountered. Those born between 1981 and 1996, particularly those of us born after 1985, have witnessed remarkable changes in the world around us, especially in technology.
One stereotype often directed at millennials is our reliance on smartphones. Indeed, we have embraced technology like no other generation before us; however, we also remember life before these devices became ubiquitous. For instance, I recall my family getting our first home computer when I was 13, and the nostalgic sound of dial-up internet still resonates with me. My first cell phone was a prepaid model with a physical antenna, which I used sparingly, and it wasn’t until I turned 20 that I had a proper cell phone plan.
Social media has been a pivotal aspect of millennial culture. While we didn’t create it, we were among the first to adopt platforms like Facebook, which I joined in its early days. The evolution of social media reflects our experiences as a generation, moving from a fun college space to one that feels overrun by older generations. Each new platform we embraced—from LiveJournal to MySpace—allowed us to express our identities in creative ways.
The culture of instant messaging, particularly through AIM, shaped our communication styles. Millennials often prefer texting over phone calls, partly because of our early experiences with online messaging. Our ability to craft concise profiles on platforms like AOL mirrors how we approach modern social media.
Millennials born in the late ’80s and early ’90s have transformed social media into a cultural phenomenon. My partner, who was born in 1980, often struggles to understand the nuances of our generation’s slang and references. Despite being born in the same decade, there are clear differences in our perspectives.
While Generation X is often viewed as apathetic, millennials—especially those of us born after 1985—display a strong sense of empathy. We’ve experienced significant trauma during our formative years, including the aftermath of 9/11. I was only 15 when that tragic day unfolded, and it fundamentally altered how we navigate the world. We came of age during a time of uncertainty, and our early voting experiences were marked by high stakes, particularly in the 2004 election.
Graduating into the 2008 recession further shaped our generation. Many of us struggled to find stable jobs, despite following the prescribed path to success. This collective experience has deeply influenced our values and outlook.
As we reflect on our childhoods, there’s a longing for the simpler times of the ’90s. Nostalgia offers comfort, and many of us still cherish the media that defined our youth. Yet, we also face the challenge of being seen as immature, even as we navigate adulthood with significant responsibilities like student loans and mortgages.
We have earned the right to communicate in our distinctive ways, even if it involves memes and text speak.
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Summary
Individuals born between 1985 and 1995 comprise a unique generation that has navigated rapid technological advancements and significant global events, shaping our identities and communication styles. Our experiences reflect a blend of nostalgia for simpler times and the complexities of adulthood. Despite facing challenges, we have forged our own cultural path, particularly in the realm of social media.