Capturing the attention spans of Millennials (a.k.a. Generation Yers) is a challenge welcomed by many a financial institution that recognizes this demographic as key to their sustainability.

Not surprisingly, the way to a Millennials heart appears to be through the Internet. And thanks to a recent survey sponsored by Microsoft, we now have a bit more detail on just what these future cardholders are looking for from their FI communicators.

According to the survey, nearly 70 percent would like FIs to take their blogs to the next level of personalization, allowing readers to ask questions and receive answers online. Almost the same percentage viewed online chat with a live agent as useful, as well.

Sixty percent of the Millennials surveyed say social networking, two-way blogs and Twitter are either at least “somewhat” if not “very important” to improving communication with their age group.

Email updates, while considered by many to be bothersome, are actually welcomed by this age group, as 75 percent are in favor of that mode of communication. Just over half are also looking for updates via text message.

Streaming Webcasts from financial experts, podcasts and real-time Twitter feeds and responses from staff are three other popular ways Millennials are interested in talking with their financial institution.

From this survey and others, it appears Generation Y is not so charmed by technology that they’re willing to give up all personal communication. Finding a way to blend high-tech with high-touch appears to be the key toward enamoring the next generation.