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Comparison That Millennials Face

Millennials have social media at their fingertips, which can result in comparison.

Keleigh Jusczak

Nov 28, 2016

Simpson University

Keleigh Jusczak

Being a Millennial, (born between 1982-2004) it is clear that I face comparisons that are different than previous generations.

One day as I was deep in thought, I noticed how different our world must be from when our grandparents were younger. Even I noticed a difference between me and my brother! (an 8 year gap.) There is no hiding that there is definitely an increase of technology and communication. Before I am certain that our grandparents never thought that they could talk to people from the other side of the earth at that given moment. Now that is a norm. I go to a school thousands of miles away from my home, but that hasn't stopped me from talking to my parents and friends everyday. People are now right at our fingertips. Don't get me wrong, I am more than thankful to be able to have the technology to keep relationships strong no matter where you are, but I noticed one big difference.... and that is the comparison we face.

I pulled out some cucumbers and hummus from my mini fridge and started eating and scrolling on Instagram. It hit me, that I can be sitting in my dorm room eating, and compare my lunch to somebody else's on the other side of the globe. Same goes for when I get ready for the day, it is at my fingertips to compare my body, and my outfit to others in different places, and even in completely different walks of life!

I noticed how much our generation does this! We compare what we see others doing, even if we don't notice it. The most dangerous aspect about this, is that most things we compare, aren't even comparable! Somebody's lunch on the other side of the earth, can't even compared to my average dorm room lunch.... and that is OK! I shouldn't be comparing my outfit, or even my life for that matter with somebody in a totally different walk of life. It can be tough to not do this, and I am not saying to get off of social media... but I am saying to be aware. Instagram was only created in 2010! That is not even 10 years ago. As well as other young social media platforms. There used to be none of that.

Now, I don't want to paint a picture that says our ancestors and grandparents didn't face ANY comparisons. I am sure they did. I am just saying, that as a millennial, we face it differently, and more things are readily at our fingertips. I believe we are more prone to compare ourselves to things that aren't even comparable!

So next time you scroll on social media, make sure you realize there is nothing to be compared.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Comparison That Millennials Face

Millennials have social media at their fingertips, which can result in comparison.

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All names should be "unisex names."

1. Communicating via email can be awkward.

2. Appointments usually accompany weird looks.

3. Introducing yourself to someone is never without a hitch.

4. You’ve probably thought about changing your name.

5. You’re often asked why you have the name you do.

6. You get excited when you meet someone of your gender with your name.

7. You feel awkward when you meet someone of the opposite gender with your name.

8. You’ve had someone say to you, “I knew a [your name], but they were [your opposite gender].”

9. You’ve heard a bad joke/pick-up line or two about your name before.

10. People are surprised when they see you.

11. You’re extra sensitive to other unique or unisex names.

12. You’ve fought with your parents about it.

13. All things considered, you’re happy your name makes you unique.

You know that all of these things apply to you. You'll just never tell.

I get it... I'm pale.

1. At least I can't lose you in a crowd!

2. Oh my goodness your skin is like glow-in-the-dark.

3. Can't you just get fake tan?

4. Do you tan or just burn?

5. Your kids are going to look like Casper the Friendly Ghost!

6. *holds arm against your arm* Look how much darker I am compared to you!

7. *holds pale arm against another pale arm* Aw, at least you're darker than her!

8. I laid out by the pool almost every day over break!

9. I haven't used sunscreen since I was, like, five.

10. *adjusts selfie lighting to their face* Oops, where'd you go??

11. *after working out* Your face is SO red!

12. *wears white* Look! You're all one color!

13. You need to get some sun.

14. Aren't you excited for summer?

The struggle bus is real.

1. Child prodigies:

2. Hearing other musicians in the practice room next door and accepting that you will never be as talented as them:

3. That anxiety that takes over before every performance:

4. Taking a million 0 credit classes:

5. When there's a paper due the next day, but you have to attend yet another concert in order to pass a 0 credit class:

6. When your friends try to encourage you after a performance, even though you are criticizing everything in your mind:

7. Knowing that there's always that one professor during juries:

8. The oh-so-attractive band/choir uniforms:

9. Realizing that a college campus is maybe not the best atmosphere to finish your latest composition:

10. Hearing "Oh, you sing opera? I LOVE Phantom of the Opera!" for the hundredth time:

11. When people think finals week is a breeze for you.

12. When you're drowning in the stress that comes with 18+ credits (and not to mention all those 0 credit classes) and people ask you how you are:

13. When it all comes down to it, though, you know that at the end of the day, music is your passion:

Because you need it in your life.

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6. holds arm against your arm Look how much darker I am compared to you!

7. holds pale arm against another pale arm Aw, at least you're darker than her!

10. adjusts selfie lighting to their face Oops, where'd you go??

11. after working out Your face is SO red!

12. wears white Look! You're all one color!