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New Boom

Millennials now outnumber baby boomers in America — and they're already making their mark.
More than 65 percent of first marriages today are between couples already living together. For millennials, cohabitation is almost a rite of passage.

More than 65 percent of first marriages today are between couples already living together. For millennials, cohabitation is almost a rite of passage. Oliver Hoffmann/iStock hide caption

itoggle caption Oliver Hoffmann/iStock

Millennials Navigate The Ups And Downs Of Cohabitation

Millennials are more likely to live with the person they're dating than previous generations were — it's practically a rite of passage. So what does that means for their relationships?

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We asked you to send in your embarrassing instant messenger handles from days gone by. Thanks for sharing, Blondsoccerplyr, AgentGiggleChunk and absofsteel3616!

We asked you to send in your embarrassing instant messenger handles from days gone by. Thanks for sharing, Blondsoccerplyr, AgentGiggleChunk and absofsteel3616! iStockphoto hide caption

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All Tech Considered

What's More Embarrassing Than That Old Screen Name? Sharing It

Years ago, you spent hours dreaming up the perfect AOL Instant Messenger screen name. Many of you aren't so proud of your now-defunct handles today, but that didn't stop you from sharing them with us.

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The phone company Vonage reported a drop in voice mail retrievals over the past year. Many of those ignoring voice mails are millennials.

The phone company Vonage reported a drop in voice mail retrievals over the past year. Many of those ignoring voice mails are millennials. iStockphoto hide caption

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All Tech Considered

Please Do Not Leave A Message: Why Millennials Hate Voice Mail

"When it comes to voice mail, they're just over it," says Jane Buckingham, a trend expert. But it's still important at work, so younger generations will have to learn what to do after the beep.

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Phillip Underwood and Michelle Sheridan and their children, Logan and Lilliana, gather in their living room in Frederick, Md., after a long day of work and school. The couple had delayed marriage, in part for financial reasons.

Phillip Underwood and Michelle Sheridan and their children, Logan and Lilliana, gather in their living room in Frederick, Md., after a long day of work and school. The couple had delayed marriage, in part for financial reasons. James Clark/NPR hide caption

itoggle caption James Clark/NPR

For More Millennials, It's Kids First, Marriage Maybe

Millennials, particularly those with less education, are upending the traditional order of love, marriage, baby carriage. Many say they don't feel financially secure enough to tie the knot.

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Millennials are often painted as the entitled, selfie-snapping generation. But many researchers say that "me" time will help young people make better decisions in the long run.

Millennials are often painted as the entitled, selfie-snapping generation. But many researchers say that "me" time will help young people make better decisions in the long run. © Eugenio Marongiu/iStockphoto hide caption

itoggle caption © Eugenio Marongiu/iStockphoto

Getting Some 'Me' Time: Why Millennials Are So Individualistic

Millennials are often criticized for being the most entitled and self-absorbed generation. Many call them narcissists, while others say they should take time to find themselves.

Millennials seem to prioritize the environment, but may want to dissociate from the "treehugger" baggage of the term "environmentalist."

Millennials seem to prioritize the environment, but may want to dissociate from the "treehugger" baggage of the term "environmentalist." Getty Images hide caption

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Millennials: We Help The Earth But Don't Call Us Environmentalists

Millennials are the most likely to favor traditionally pro-environment policies and believe climate change is man-made. But they are also the least likely generation to identify as environmentalists.

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Rapper Lil Jon appears in a new ad for Rock the Vote's 2014 campaign. The organization was founded to get Generation X engaged in politics, and is adapting its tactics to reach millennials.

Rapper Lil Jon appears in a new ad for Rock the Vote's 2014 campaign. The organization was founded to get Generation X engaged in politics, and is adapting its tactics to reach millennials. Courtesy of Rock the Vote hide caption

itoggle caption Courtesy of Rock the Vote

It's All Politics

Millennial Voters Are Paying Attention — So Why Don't More Vote?

Young people showed major interest in voting in 2004 and 2008. Since then, their numbers have fallen off as the political system has become gridlocked.

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Fabianie Andre with her 3-year-old daughter, Leilah, at their home in suburban Boston. Andre is one of many millennials who lack a college education.

Fabianie Andre with her 3-year-old daughter, Leilah, at their home in suburban Boston. Andre is one of many millennials who lack a college education. Asma Khalid/WBUR hide caption

itoggle caption Asma Khalid/WBUR

A Silent Majority Of Undereducated And Underemployed Millennials WBUR

Millennials are often portrayed as overeducated and underemployed. But a large portion of millennials lack a college education, making it even harder for them to find work.

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