Generation Me: Why Millennials Were Raised to Be Special… and Ended Up Anxious, Depressed & Disappointed

Jean Twenge’s book "Generation Me," discusses the cohort of young Americans born in the late 20th century who were raised in a culture of hyper-individualism. Unlike previous generations that prioritized duty and social conformity, this group was taught to value self-esteem, personal happiness, and the belief that they are inherently special. While this shift has fostered greater tolerance and equality, it has also created a disconnect between high childhood expectations and the harsh economic realities of adulthood. Twenge utilizes empirical data to demonstrate that today's youth are more assertive and confident yet simultaneously more prone to anxiety and depression. Ultimately, the source argues that these traits are a direct reflection of a cultural evolution that emphasizes the self over community obligations.