Dubbed the “me” generation, those born between 1970 and 1999 are a generation of individuals who have focused on themselves more than any other previous generation. In this generation, praise has replaced criticism. They point out people’s strengths rather than their weaknesses. They make sure that people don’t feel bad about themselves because everyone is special, and they believe that feeling good about themselves makes anything possible.

This is the image we have of Generation Me from the press and in our psyche. The generation has been largely criticized by older generations for focusing too much on themselves and not enough on their duty to families or communities. And that in the end, their desire for people to have higher self esteem has backfired. But is this the case?

A new book by Jean Twenge, a professor at San Diego State University, points out that Generation Me may be suffering from many years of having their egos propped up. She hypothesizes that because so much time has been spent increasing self esteem in Generation Me, they believe they can do and accomplish anything, even when it is highly unrealistic. However, when they reach adulthood and face disappointment by not finding the best job, perfect relationship, or meeting their lofty goals, they suffer disappointment and pain, which manifests in anxiety and depression.

In short, Twenge brings a compelling amount of data and thought to the issue that this generation, built on feeling good, has made themselves miserable as a result. For Generation Me-ers (and I am one of them, born in 1970), it may not be the easiest book to read, but we have never been taught to face our own weaknesses.

Further Reading:

Generation Me