Every generation has its defining characteristics, but millennials are a generation unto their own — at least, that's what the world says.

Raised by baby boomers, millennials were born between 1981 and 1996 and turn ages 23 to 38 this year. They're the first generation to grow up with the internet. They came of age and entered the workforce during the Great Recession, both of which played a significant role in shaping their lives.

Read more: The Great Recession split the millennial generation down the middle, creating 2 groups with very different financial habits

They're also the first generation to inspire think pieces about themselves, wrote Annah Feinberg for The New Yorker. As such, perhaps no other generation has received as many labels.

Millennials have been highlighted for their financial struggles, criticized as acting special and entitled, and applauded for making progress in education and diversity.

Here's how the world sees millennials today.