Why Generation Y Yuppies Are Unhappy

[PsychBiker]

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Forwarded to me by a professor. Very interesting and, I think, help explains some of the "hipster" angst that is occurring in people in their early 20s (Keep in mind I am stereotyping - and I am also 27). However, I think the conceptualization that the author makes can be generalized to many areas.

http://waitbutwhy.com/2013/09/why-generation-y-yuppies-are-unhappy.html

 

[erg923]

I am old. what is "hipster angst"?" Is this different from the angst that I grew up knowing (Kurt Cobian, etc.) which was preceeed by the angst my father grew up knowing (Jefferson Airplane)-, etc*

 

[QAsPsych]

See also http://www.thewire.com/national/2013/05/me-generation-time/65054/

It's almost like there are processes that happen to people at certain ages regardless of generation. If only there was some branch of science examining if there was something quantitatively different about people at different ages and stages of life.

 

[cara susanna]

N/m, the above article summarizes it best.

 

[WisNeuro]

Brent Donnellan at Michigan State also released several studies that refuted the "Generation ME" fad. Basically, Twenge found a cash cow and pretty much only designs studies that confirm the ME generation notion. When you look deeper, you see that this is just a repeating pattern rather than a new phenomenon.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Brent Donnellan at Michigan State also released several studies that refuted the "Generation ME" fad. Basically, Twenge found a cash cow and pretty much only designs studies that confirm the ME generation notion. When you look deeper, you see that this is just a repeating pattern rather than a new phenomenon.

Yeah, I thought I remembered reading that was the case with respect to the supposedly increased levels of narcicissm in the current generation vs. those previous.

 

[WisNeuro]

This may be one of the more concise papers on the subject if anyone is interested.

Trzesniewski, K. H., Donnellan, M. B., & Robins, R. W. (2008a). Is “Generation Me” really more narcissistic than previous generations? Journal of Personality, 76, 903-917.

 

[CheetahGirl]

I am Generation X also, erg923. And I feel it is the angst experienced in 'emerging adulthood' a fairly new, extremely relevant developmental stage from ages 18-29 (or thereabouts), basically a moratorium stage where new behaviors are experienced until you figure out what you want to take with you to adulthood...proposed by Jeffery Arnett at Clark University.

Thanks for sharing article, OP!

See also http://www.thewire.com/national/2013/05/me-generation-time/65054/

It's almost like there are processes that happen to people at certain ages regardless of generation. If only there was some branch of science examining if there was something quantitatively different about people at different ages and stages of life.

 

[erg923]

"Teenage angst has paid off well, now I am old and bored." "Angst" should be restricted to 13-18 and Billy Corgan Reunion concerts. 🙂

 

[CheetahGirl]

Yeah...I'd like to see my kids try to pull the wool over my eyes....seen it, done it, been there...and back.

Disclaimer: I realize every individual has his/her own experiences, and I do not mean to generalize my own experiences to my children's....but I'm only human (little Human League reference, although they are way before Generation X's genre of music).

 

[KillerDiller]

"Teenage angst has paid off well, now I am old and bored." "Angst" should be restricted to 13-18 and Billy Corgan Reunion concerts. 🙂

But in spite of my age, I am still just a rat in a cage.

 

[Sanman]

Wow a Billy Corgan and Kurt Cobain reference...ERG, you are making me miss the 90s and that 'Nevermind' CD that is forever stuck in the cd player of my car. Honestly, I am supposedly part of Gen Y (the early years) and I find all of this to be bunk. Sure, there are those that want to find fulfillment. However, I have plenty of friends that sold their souls to the Banks on Wall St. It really depends on your circumstances. If your parents are willing to fund you than you can go find yourself for as long as it takes. If they are not willing to fund you, you can go find a job.

Oh, if anyone is up for a laugh, ERG reminded me of this (Don't watch it at work as you need the volume up):



Now, where did I put that flannel shirt and my bass....

 

[chman]

First, I have to say that I kind of resent the baby boomers saying how the younger generation isn't willing to work for life gains, etc. This is the generation that has built our (the US at least) financial system on unsustainable credit and plunged us in to a deep recession by buying things they couldn't afford. They have no room to lecture us on fiscal responsibility. Second, in case you guys haven't noticed (sarcasm), the amount of work it takes to succeed and overall competitiveness is exponentially higher than in our parents generation. Compare becoming a psychologist now than to 30 years ago, for instance. Many young people take on these challenges and work hard to do so.


However, I think there is some truth to the "me" generation thing and unrealistic expectations.. I just don't know if it is the majority. The whole "everyone is special and you all get a trophy" mentality is not good IMO.

Something I have been thinking about is the impact of technology on social interaction and reward... We are all so plugged in now. On the bus, it is quite hard to start up a conversation because everyone has headphones on, and we all get info NOW. Kids don't have to use their imagination because they can just plug in (and adults too, for that matter). A lot of younger people (I'm 27 BTW), are growing up with this as the norm. Is this bad? IDK, but it is an interesting phenomena.

 

[cara susanna]

First, I have to say that I kind of resent the baby boomers saying how the younger generation isn't willing to work for life gains, etc. This is the generation that has built our (the US at least) financial system on unsustainable credit and plunged us in to a deep recession by buying things they couldn't afford. They have no room to lecture us on fiscal responsibility. Second, in case you guys haven't noticed (sarcasm), the amount of work it takes to succeed and overall competitiveness is exponentially higher than in our parents generation. Compare becoming a psychologist now than to 30 years ago, for instance. Many young people take on these challenges and work hard to do so.

Plus, worker productivity has actually increased over the years.

 

[WisNeuro]

First, I have to say that I kind of resent the baby boomers saying how the younger generation isn't willing to work for life gains, etc. This is the generation that has built our (the US at least) financial system on unsustainable credit and plunged us in to a deep recession by buying things they couldn't afford. They have no room to lecture us on fiscal responsibility. Second, in case you guys haven't noticed (sarcasm), the amount of work it takes to succeed and overall competitiveness is exponentially higher than in our parents generation. Compare becoming a psychologist now than to 30 years ago, for instance. Many young people take on these challenges and work hard to do so.

No need to be resentful. This happens every generation. The "Me Generation" research is flawed. It's just a repeating pattern, it'll happen again in another generation.

 

[chman]

No need to be resentful. This happens every generation. The "Me Generation" research is flawed. It's just a repeating pattern, it'll happen again in another generation.

"Get off my lawn you hooligans. I'm keeping this baseball."