The Millennial Student: A Strategy for Improved Wellness

Abstract

This thesis explores the idea that a significant number of globally connected Millennials (those born between 1980 and 2000), more than previous generations, engage in compulsive behaviors around the use of social media Internet websites and mobile phones and in greater numbers suffer from inattentiveness, social disconnection, depression and anxiety. Meditation can mitigate the effects of addictive use of technology by bringing Millennials back to present moment awareness and attentiveness, decrease the need for their compulsive use of social media via the Internet, as well as alleviate the physiological effects of depression and anxiety. Mindfulness and meditation may encourage Millennials to develop the face-to-face social skills necessary for meaningful social, educational and professional connections.