Barna spent much of last year researching and learning more about what we are calling the connected generation, the 18–35-year-olds—comprised of both Gen Z and Millennials—who are the future of our world. The Connected Generation report, conducted in partnership with World Vision, takes into account 15,369 interviews across 25 countries in 9 languages, allowing us both a broader and more focused lens with which to understand young adults.

With 2020 upon us and new year’s resolutions in full swing, we wanted to highlight the top accomplishments and goals of this generation.

A Success-Driven Generation Turns Its Focus Toward Home The connected generation gave us a clear view of their priorities in this study, offering responses for both past achievements and future goals. Of those who participated in the survey, nearly half had finished their education (48%) and become financially independent from their parents (46%). Four out of 10 say they traveled to other countries (43%), started a career (41%) and became spiritually mature (40%). Milestones that ranked lower on the list included getting married (25%), caring for the poor and needy (25%) and buying a home (21%).

Practicing Christians are leading young adults in focusing on family, with nearly one in three (32%) reporting they’ve already gotten married (vs. 26% non-practicing Christians, 29% practicing other faith and 18% no faith) and 37 percent reporting becoming a parent (vs. 34% non-practicing Christians, 31% practicing other faith and 25% no faith). Additionally, just over half say they have already become spiritually mature (53% vs. 39% non-practicing Christians, 43% practicing other faith and 33% no faith).