This is an interview done with Matt Duffy, creator of Born Zillennial, read his story below! If you, or anyone you know, would like to be highlighted in The Zillennial Zine, shoot us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram!
Tell us your story! Where did you begin and how did you reach the caliber you’re currently at?
My name is Matt Duffy and I’ve lived around the globe, from Kentucky to Singapore!
I’m a passionate connector, digital storyteller, and music lover. My motto is “headphones in, world out” and my favorite quote is “Whatever you do, do well. And may success attend your efforts.”
I went to the University of Florida for undergrad and graduated class of 2020 with a B.S. in telecommunication in media and society. During undergrad, I found a passion for radio and broadcasting as an on-air host and general manager for the student radio station, producer for ESPN Gainesville, and anchor for the local news. I also interned with UF’s communications department where I helped launch the university’s official TikTok account!
After graduating during the pandemic, I moved to NYC and started a Master’s program with UF CJC Online. I graduated with my M.A. in mass communications, with a focus on digital strategy, in August 2021.
One of my grad classes was titled “Social Media Community Management” and we were tasked with creating our own online community. I created the Born Zillennial Facebook Group, which currently has 210k+ members! This community helped me land my first big boy job at Meta (formerly Facebook) in June 2021. In January 2023, I was invited back by the UF CJC online administration to teach the very same class I created Born Zillennial in! It’s giving full circle.
What makes you a Zillennial? When did you come across this term?
I came across the Urban Dictionary definition of Zillennial when doing research for my grad school assignment. The assignment was to create an online community of like-minded people, and during the times of Millennial vs. Gen Z discourse about skinny jeans and side parts, I’d never felt more stuck between the two generations.
I was born in 1998. While the micro-generation is undefined, I like to think I fall right in the sweet spot of the age range who identifies with being a Zillennial.
I think our upbringing has a lot to do with what makes us Zillennial – we bridged the gap between the non-digital and digital-first. I got my first cell phone in middle school (the Verizon Juke btw), I watched peak Nickelodeon, Disney, PBS, and Cartoon Network kids television, and struggled through watching my teachers trying to calibrate the SmartBoard.
I traded Silly Bands at recess, went to the midnight premiere of The Hunger Games, and my first concert was High School Musical: On Tour (and yes, I was devastated to see Drew Seeley walk out instead of Zac Efron).
I thought I was going to go to school, get a job, and blah blah blah. After graduating college during the pandemic, the traditional career path was shattered. I felt cheated and alone. I read “The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them.” There was no mention of navigating your 20s during a pandemic.
But after connecting with fellow 20-somethings in Born Zillennial, I realized I wasn’t alone. In fact, I never really was.
What are some accomplishments or milestones you’ve reached lately?
I was invited back to teach the very same class I created Born Zillennial in at the University of Florida! Idk if i’ll ever get used to students calling me Professor Duffy.
I bought a rug for my NYC apartment (who knew they were so mf expensive??)
I’ve been working pretty hard to make a friend group in NYC and, after putting myself out there and being a friend to others first, I’m feeling good about where I’m at!
Tell us all about Born Zillennial!!
Born Zillennial is an online community of 210k+ young adults who feel lost or stuck between two generations: Millennials and Gen Z. Our mission is to “Unlock the past. Embrace the Present. Brighten the future.”
It’s been about 3 years since I created the community as a class assignment and grew the group from 22 members to 22k in one day after posting a TikTok.
We share nostalgic content, memes, advice, networking moments, and have even hosted IRL meet-ups! Miley Cyrus and Aly & AJ are members, which I still can’t wrap my head around. But I think it’s important to note that the community would be nothing without the BZ team and all our members joining, contributing, and reminiscing together. S/O to the BZ team – Caroline, Jordan, Lauryn, Steve, Amina, and Vanessa <3
You can join the Born Zillennial Facebook Group, check out our website and merch, and follow our FB Page, Instagram, Twitter (X), and LinkedIn group. We also curate nostalgic Spotify playlists!
What would you like our readers to know about you and your platform?
Beyond Zillennial things, I create content on TikTok and Reels! And my only goal in life is to be a game show host. Ryan Seacrest, I’m coming for ya!
You can follow me everywhere @mduffy_ or check out my website 🙂
Connect with Born Zillennial!
Instagram: @bornzillennial
TikTok: @bornzillennial
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