Berkley Center

Since the mid-20th century our world has changed almost beyond recognition—and certainly beyond the recognition of the Baby Boomer generation. Today, the world we live in is truly global. In our lifetime, the internet grew from a government project to a massive social network that allowed people to grow interconnected in ways never before imaged. Previous generations did not have the access we have to each other via mobile devices or tablets like the iPad. We are truly a connected generation and while not all of us share the same ideals, we do all share a sense of interdependence and an appreciation for the concerns of others. The glaring difference between the Millennial Generation and our predecessors is that we have an abundant access to information, continual development of technology, and wide access to this technology.

This new norm of instant communication and the World Wide Web encourages the exchange of ideas and has created contact and closeness to areas of the world that would have otherwise been isolated. Our parents; generation and their parents’ generation were limited to what they heard on the news and, if so inspired, taking to the streets to make change. We, however, can no longer plead ignorance when it comes to issues around the world. When civilians in Syria are being attacked by the Syrian military opposition, a young teen in Iowa has the capacity to express concern and a new sense of compassion. The Baby Boomer generation suffered from the lack of exposure to international cultures and instant technology. They were able to sustain their exclusive lifestyles without regard or empathy for other areas of the globe. The Millennial Generation’s ability to express a far reaching sense of compassion has truly shaped our world view to include a sense of extended community that the previous generations did not.

The challenge now for the millennial generation, in the presence of globalization, nuclear weapons, and terrorism, is whether or not the interconnected world can coexist peacefully.

larissaconnett@gmail.com