In the article, "Gen Y's Ego Trip Takes a Bad Turn," Larry Gordon and Louis Sahagun claim that Gen Y is a more self-absorbed and egotistical generation than Gen X. They believe that college students show many signs of narcissism, and although it is not believed to be a clinical issue, it is still a prevalent and possibly problematic characteristic. Many studies have been performed over the years to prove this theory, and most results have supported the claim, yet despite the data there are also those who believe that the new found self-righteous attitude is a positive change in today’s generation.
A researcher, Jean Twenge, along with four other researchers from the University of Michigan, University of Georgia, and the University of South Alabama found that 2/3 of college students tested above average for signs of narcissism. The results were formulated from over 25 years of psychological surveys conducted by the Narcissistic Personality Inventory. The writers make a warrant saying that youth is as a result destined “to have less interest in emotionally intimate bonds and can lash out when rejected or insulted.” Furthermore, the study “notes that nursery schools began to have children sing songs that proclaim: “I am special, I am special. Look at me,” showing how excessive self-esteem is being introduced to children at a very young and influential age. Entire generations are bound for social and personal problems.
Gordon and Sahagun took the time to refute the counter arguments, which stated that although there is an apparent shift in the egos of current college students, it is a positive change from previous generations. They say that, “students are more civic-minded and involved in volunteer activities than their predecessors.” Yet, Jean Twenge and her team insist that the increase in volunteering is only driven by the desire to become academically successful, not to better the community.