How Millennials Became the First Digital Pioneers—and the Parents Navigating Its Consequences
For years, Millennials have been the punchline of generational jokes—accused of being lazy, entitled, and obsessed with avocado toast. Yet, beneath the stereotypes lies an undeniable truth: Millennials were the first generation to experience the complete shift from an analog world to a digital one. Now, as they step into parenthood, they’re facing a new challenge—guiding their children through an online world that is vastly different than the one they first encountered.
I was excited to be featured in a Newsweek article discussing this very challenge and how Millennials are uniquely equipped to help the next generation navigate the digital landscape. Being part of this important conversation and serving as a resource for Newsweek readers is truly an honor.
From Digital Guinea Pigs to Digital Gatekeepers
Born at the dawn of the internet revolution, Millennials grew up in an era when social media was unfiltered, and digital literacy came through trial and error. Many recall the early days of MySpace, AIM chat rooms, and the time when Facebook was exclusive to college students. They were also the ones who first introduced their parents to smartphones and warned them about online scams. Now, those same Millennials are parents, and the responsibility has reversed—they must figure out how to equip their children for a digital world that continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace.
As I shared with Newsweek, “Millennials got a little bit more of the wild west of the internet. They got social media that was a little bit rawer than things are now. Now, those same Millennials are frequently becoming parents and trying to figure out, knowing all we know, how do we think about digital technology with our kids?”
Teaching the Next Generation Digital Resilience
Millennial parents are acutely aware of the risks and distractions that come with technology. They’ve witnessed the rise of misinformation, cyberbullying, and the addictive pull of social media firsthand. Unlike older generations who may see technology as an afterthought or younger generations who have never known life without it, Millennials occupy a unique space. They appreciate the benefits of constant connectivity while also recognizing the necessity of setting digital boundaries.
That’s why many Millennials, including those featured in the Newsweek article, are proactively engaging their children in discussions about digital literacy. They explain why YouTubers encourage likes and subscriptions, educate them about online scams, and strive to strike a balance between shielding them from harmful content and equipping them with the skills to navigate the digital world responsibly.
The Challenge of Keeping Up with Technology
One of the biggest struggles Millennials face is the relentless speed of technological advancement. While lawmakers work to establish safeguards—such as California’s new laws protecting child influencers and proposed AI regulations—there’s often a disconnect between legislation and real-world digital experiences.
As I noted in the article, “By the time a law comes into effect, it may no longer be the right fit because technology has moved so far from when that law was originally written or conceived.”
This means that, for now, the burden of digital parenting falls largely on Millennials. They are raising predominantly Gen Z and Gen Alpha children in an era where deepfake technology, AI-powered chatbots, and algorithm-driven content are part of everyday life. They’re also navigating the pressures of social media comparison and the increasing role of screens in education and social interactions.
A More Skeptical Generation Emerges
One silver lining? Millennials, after experiencing both the promise and pitfalls of the internet’s evolution, are raising children with a more critical eye toward digital media.
As I shared in the Newsweek piece, “The idea that you can simply trust social media because it’s new and exciting is gone.”
We’re witnessing a crucial generational shift—one where Millennials are taking the hard-earned lessons of their own digital upbringing and applying them to a new generation. The key question now is: How can they best prepare their children for a future that will only become more digitally intricate?
While the answer remains complex, one thing is clear—Millennials may have once been the test subjects of the digital age, but today, they are its mentors. The insights and lessons they share will play a defining role in how future generations interact with technology.
Check out the full Newsweek article here. To dive deeper into generational trends, explore my annual State of Gen Z research study here or download the first few chapters of my latest book, Zconomy, by clicking here.
Posted: March 14th, 2025
Categories: Generations | Inspiration | Keynote Speaking | Leadership | Trends | Workforce
Written by Jason Dorsey
Jason Dorsey is an acclaimed generations and behavioral researcher and speaker. He's received over 1,000 standing ovations for his unique keynote presentations. Jason has led over 120 research studies. Adweek calls him a "research guru." His mission is to deliver new insights and practical strategies that solve business challenges for leaders.
