March 2016 – The Millennial generation (born 1980 or later) has a more positive view than any other generation on every societal institution except church and religious organizations. Compared to older generations, Millennials have a more favorable opinion on the positive effects of small and large businesses, financial institutions, labor unions, the energy industry, national news media, colleges and universities, and the entertainment industry. Millennials’ rating of most types of institutions has grown more favorable in the time between the last poll on the subject in 2010 and Pew Research’s most current poll in 2015.
Only two institutions received a more negative rating by Millennials in 2015 than in 2010 – the news media (still regarded more favorably than by other generations), and the church and religious organizations. In 2010, 73% of Millennials said churches and religious institutions have a positive effect on the way things are going in America. Now, only 55% of Millennials agree with that statement. The change means Millennials have gone from polling with an opinion of the church eight points higher than any other generation to polling six points lower than any other.
