‘Lazy old time wasting millennials’, is a charge that is often leveled, but now it has been actually proved.
Over 65 percent of 18-35 year olds in London say they waste bags full of spare time, while more than one in ten millennials say they tend to spend up to an entire day a week on social media or on gaming platforms.
According to the research organised by the British Army Reserve, during each typical working day, the average youthful Londoner spends two hours on the sofa; over an hour daydreaming and nearly two hours gaming.
Social media
Social media gobbles up the most minutes, with 18-35 year olds in London checking their social media pages on average six times a day.
However, this online obsession is sapping millennial’s lust for life. According to the study, 70 per cent of young people claimed that they had never done anything exciting in their lives.
Naturally, the method behind the survey was to get these lackadaisical millennials to fall in, spring to attention and join the Army Reserves, where they will certainly get to do something exciting, but might find themselves being shot at at the same time.
Major General John Crackett said: “The Army Reserve should be a top choice for all those wanting to make the most of their spare time”
“Whether that’s doing something new like parachuting, skiing, sailing or rock climbing, learning a new skill or be able to roll your sleeves up and help out in a humanitarian crisis, the Reserve has it all.”
Robert joined the HRreview editorial team in October 2015. After graduating from the University of Salford in 2009 with a BA in Politics, Robert has spent several years working in print and online journalism in Manchester and London. In the past he has been part of editorial teams at Flux Magazine, Mondo*Arc Magazine and The Marine Professional.
I can’t argue with the findings or the intention of offering youngsters more opportunities in the Reserves. There is a growing trend for time wasting and an inappropriately high importance placed on social media over everyday/real-life work, social and life functions. And the Armed Forces do offer many opportunities for skills, experiences and training (useful both in the professional realm and wider life).
The big issue I find with Forces recruitment is politics. Firstly, ones political views will have a greater influence on joining the Forces or not than it had in the past. Secondly, this recruitment drive for youngsters is forced upon by politics and the slash in salary budget for full-time members of the Forces, so as truthful as I find the message, I can’t help but feel the intention is politically driven.
Speaking from experience, if you have any appeal in sports or travelling the world, joining the Reserves is a fantastic way to make this work for you and get paid. The bigger question to ask is are you prepared to be a soldier/sailor/airman when needed?