Each generation inevitably has its labels and distinct characteristics, whether it’s the baby Boomers, Generation X, or the latest generation to undergo academic and public scrutiny, the Millenials (the children of baby boomers). I’ve written some posts about research showing that Millenials are technologically savvy, more likely to cheat, and more difficult to teach. Now comes research to suggest that they’re also much more narcissistic and self-centered than ever:

The standardized inventory, known as the NPI, asks for responses to such statements as “If I ruled the world, it would be a better place,” “I think I am a special person” and “I can live my life any way I want to.” . . . Narcissism can have benefits, said study co-author W. Keith Campbell of the University of Georgia, suggesting it could be useful in meeting new people “or auditioning on ‘American Idol.’”

“Unfortunately, narcissism can also have very negative consequences for society, including the breakdown of close relationships with others,” he said. The study asserts that narcissists “are more likely to have romantic relationships that are short-lived, at risk for infidelity, lack emotional warmth, and to exhibit game-playing, dishonesty, and over-controlling and violent behaviors.” . . .

The researchers traced the phenomenon back to what they called the “self-esteem movement” that emerged in the 1980s, asserting that the effort to build self-confidence had gone too far.

As an educator, a sociologist, and a parent of a young child, these findings interest me in many ways. In my reading of the research and my own personal observations, I generally agree with the assessment that Millenials tend to be a little impatient, demand immediate gratification, and can be a little self-centered at times.

However, even though I’m not a psychologist, I’m not sure that it’s fair to blame the “self confidence/self-esteem” movement that teaches children to value their own self worth as the main problem. I think it’s not necessarily a contradiction to believe that you are special and serve your community, help others, and be conscious about social issues and inequalities at the same time.

The question of course is, on average -- taken as a whole -- is today’s generation more selfish than others? Perhaps they are. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t possess positive characteristics either. Our task then, is to leverage and maximize those positive traits while trying to turn those negative traits into a more positive outlet. Easier said than done, I realize, but certainly possible.