At the British library the other day, I found some very interesting statistics on young people, and how older generations view them.

The study was done by the Economist Intelligence Unit, for a report sponsored by Genesys called "Maturing with the Millenials". It was conducted over the months of May and June 2008.

The study group is referred to as "Millenials," which is another term for "Generation Y".

Here are the results:

Most distinctive characteristics of millenials according to executives worldwide, (% of respondents)

Ease with technology - 74%
Willingness to challenge convention and standard business practices - 38%
Innovation and fresh ideas - 32%
Interest in building relationships, teams, and networks - 30%
Represents a large and growing market - 28%
Comfort communicating feedback - 20%
High levels of disposable income - 16%
Reliable work ethic - 3%

This study demonstrates a few things. First, it is disappointing that we Gen Ys got such a low "reliable work ethic" score, but I reckon that has to do with our much talked about short attention spans - not our fault, but the result of the fast-paced, sound-byte culture we grew up in. Our ease with technology is no surprise - we've practically grown up with the internet. Just wait until Gen Z enters the work force. They'll practically be half-machine. The coolest thing to come out of this survey was the very high score Gen Ys received on "willingness to challenge convention and standard business practices". This was the second highest cited distinctive characteristic of our generation as stated by executives worldwide.

This is exactly what I am trying to get across. For any real change to happen in politics, young people need to become more involved, because it is us that will change conventions, not the Boomers.

It could have to do with the fact that we are not used to these said "conventions" and thus don't have a need to stick with them, or is it that our generation is actually more progressive?

It's something to think about...

If you are so lucky to have a subscription to eMarketer, you can find the study here. Otherwise, get thee to the British Library!