[Infographic] The Myth of the Millennial

Millennials. Generation Y. Echo Boomers. Generation We. Generation Me. The Net Generation. 

There are almost as many names for the millions of Americans born between 1982 and 1995 (or 1980-2000, or 1983-2004 -- definitions vary) as there are stererotypes about them. And there are a lot of stereotypes. Here are a few things we do know about them:

• At 86 million, millennials are the largest generation in U.S. history (7 percent larger than their parents' boomer generation);
• They are, in many respects, the best educated generation in U.S. history -- and the most burdened with student loan debt;
• As the first generation of "digital natives," they are comfortable with technology and use it at higher rates than older generations;
• According to a recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center, they are the most cynical and distrusting generation ever.

Okay, this kind of generational sterotyping, as conservative Jonah Goldberg calls it, can get old in a hurry. But it can also force us to examine our assumptions and biases. This week's infographic, which was put together by the folks at Onlinempadegrees.com and the UNC School of Government, is full of stats about the generation of young people we call millennials -- some of them surprising and others not so much. Take a look. And then use the comments section below to debunk some of your favorite millennial sterotypes. 

-- Mitch Nauffts