opinionliberal

Millennials: The New Old Generation?

New York City, USATuesday, December 23, 2025
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Millennials are feeling the pinch of age, and it's not just about numbers. It's about culture, relevance, and the stark realization that the world is moving on without them. The shift is subtle but unmistakable.

The Crossroads of Established Adulthood

Young adults, now in their late 20s to mid-40s, find themselves at a crossroads. They're juggling careers, families, and aging parents. This phase, dubbed "established adulthood," is demanding and leaves little room for the carefree days of youth.

Cultural Icons Embracing Middle Age

Cultural icons of this generation are doing things that scream middle age.

  • Lena Dunham penned a heartfelt essay about leaving New York.
  • Taylor Swift, once the queen of breakup songs, is now singing about her fiancé's reliability.
  • Ryan from "The O.C." is making documentaries about crypto.

It's a far cry from the rebellious, carefree image millennials once embraced.

The Internet: A Battleground

The internet, once a millennial playground, has become a battleground. Gen Z and Gen Alpha are taking over, and they're not shy about making their presence known.

  • Millennials are now the butt of jokes.
  • The subject of "millennial cringe."

It's a harsh wake-up call. The fashion trends, the way they communicate, even their pop culture references are now outdated.

The Pandemic's Role

The pandemic accelerated this shift. Millennials were still relevant when the world went into lockdown. But when it reopened, the world had changed.

  • Gen Z was at the helm.
  • Redefining trends and setting new standards.

Millennials were left playing catch-up, trying to keep up with a world that was no longer theirs.

A Tough Pill to Swallow

It's a tough pill to swallow. Millennials grew up with the internet, became self-aware, and embraced their inner lives. But now, they're watching from the sidelines as younger generations take center stage. It's a generational shift, and it's happening right before their eyes.

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