Millennials are officially reaching a 'soul-crushing’ milestone this year

Millennials are freaking out, as they’ve just come to a huge realization - they’re all going to be 30 by the end of this year.

Using Pew Research Center’s definition of Millennials as anyone born between 1981 and 1996, by the time 2026 comes to a close, their 20s will be over, and the youngest of the generation will have turned 30, while the oldest are turning 45.

Gen Z, which the research centre defines as anyone born between 1997 and 2012, is next up, with its oldest members due to hit the 30 milestone next year in 2027.

Reacting to the news, one X user joked: “The ’96 babies are falling to their knees,” while a second added: “Day after tomorrow I'm turning 30... Soul crushing.”

A third wrote: “It’s sad and I’m turning 28 in December,” and a fourth joked: “The youngest millennials turning 30 and we still call ourselves 'the kids' in the group chat. Denial is generational.”

The youngest Millennials are officially turning 30 - and they don't know how to feel about it (Getty Images/MTV Studios)

Someone else pointed out: “1997-2003 should be its own era, then Gen Z. It’s the perfect mix of both generations.”

While another social media user revealed: “I’m the last millennial of this generation on Dec 31st 1996.”

Others aren’t too upset by the idea of ageing, with some people declaring that their thirties are way better than their twenties.

One social media user penned: “Being 30 been kinda lit ngl,” while a second agreed: “Don’t miss my 20’s at all fr”

And a third wrote: “Don’t really care. I’m still here. Age is a privilege.”

Meanwhile, another unphased Millennial joked: “I can't wait until 2027 when the first Gen Zs start turning 30 to see them start freaking out.”

Millennials had a very unique experience, as they were the first ‘digital natives’ who grew up alongside the rise of the internet, smartphones, and social media.

Some Millennials are more than happy to leave their 20s behind them (The CW)

As perfectly outlined by the BBC, they’re known for being the ‘skinny jean wearing, side-parting, coffee-guzzling generation’. They love a slice of avocado toast and are always down for a selfie.

Gen Z, on the other hand, is the ‘influencer’ generation, who were introduced to the likes of Instagram and TikTok from a young age.

As outlined by GWI, they're pragmatic about work and big on saving and investing, as well as being keen to travel but more prone to anxiety.

Following Gen Z are Generation Alpha, who were born between 2010 and 2025 and were the first generation to experience remote classrooms, streaming services, and portable digital devices from early childhood.

You'll notice, though, that Gen Alpha ended in 2025, and anyone born after that became part of a whole new cohort - Generation Beta.

Gen Beta refers to any children born from the beginning of 2025 until the end of 2039, so their era has only just begun.

As reported by the BBC, this fresh new generation is expected to grow up during a time when AI is everywhere, self-driving cars will be common, and virtual immersive experiences will become part of everyday.