The Millennial Curse: Can Blogging Break It?

Published by Ryan Paugh on May 22nd, 2008 in Blogging, Generation Y | 11 Comments

Millennials have been called everything from the Next Great Generation to praise-hungry narcissists. Of course, the media loves to sensationalize (especially news magazines), so we're either "really great," or we "really suck."

I have my own opinion. Since entering the blogosphere over a year ago, I've met some great young people who are challenging the negative side of the stereotype. And the best of all, older generations are starting to listen. But I still wonder, does blogging—all by itself—have the power to alter, perhaps even to define, the image of my generation?

Part of me says no. It takes a lot more than an online presence to change how a generation is defined. And I just don't see enough young people proving their greatness in considerable ways outside of the Web 2.0 realm.

But then again, if enough of us do it well, we can change some minds and create a better reputation for our generation.

Making a change on our own terms

Even though we're still being tagged as self-centered and egotistical, our community-oriented approach to the Internet tells a different story. The Brazen Careerist network is a prime example of Gen Y working together to share ideas and show cooperation.

Every day I find at least one new Gen-Y career blog. We've taken the initiative to talk back. And with all these eager voices ready to provide answers at the drop of a dime, is it fair to say that Millennials are really the root of the problem? Or do we all need to find a better way to bridge the gaps between Boomer, GenX, and Millennials?

Blogging is not mainstream (yet)

Still, blogging may not be the best weapon towards eliminating the millennial Scarlet Letter, because blogging's popularity is growing, but not quickly enough. While university professors insist that it's a great medium not only for personal discovery but also for your career path, many students simply resent it. I was once one of them.

For many young people, a blog still has that "dear diary" feel that was marked by early blog platforms. I still remember how lame it seemed when I first read an entry by a girl I knew in high school. It was a turnoff, why would I want to be a part of this today?

Granted, blogging has changed. In many ways, it's as credible a media source as any big mogul out there. In fact, even big name reports like CNN, Newsweek and Fortune have blogs. Most of which are marketed at the millennial generation.

But like most people (even those not in my generation), word of mouth is still the most powerful marketing tool. And right now, blogging isn't getting widespread respect on the street, so it's hard to believe that it is already changing our reputation in any real way. Yet.

Not enough great millennial bloggers?

So what's missing? To change something as widespread as a stereotype, there needs to be strength in numbers. And while I consistently find great young bloggers every day, more voices are needed. And they need to be individuals with a solid, though-out opinion. Not just ranting about being called selfish.

Most rants are totally lame. They lack substance and I wish someone had told me this when I started blogging. I had to learn it on my own.

Taking your opinions seriously doesn't mean you have to tailor your posts to boring corporate jargon, but it does mean you have to have an opinion, not just a voice. Be more than just a young person shouting for change. Build the bridge that makes change possible.

Regardless of whether blogging has the power to change people's minds and break stereotypes, I don't think anyone can argue that it hasn't had a positive impact on the millennial generation. It's still the best way to communicate our thoughts and ideals to a media world we have little ownership in. And the best part is we can't be censored.