Understanding the effects of technology on our culture and different generations is essential for the Church. We have to be careful that our culture doesn’t fog our Biblical worldview, and for us to effectively deliver the Gospel, it’s important to know what people are thinking and how they view the world. Perspective dramatically effects how we see things, and if we’re trying to point out the truth, we need to make sure we’re pointing in the right direction. Is it on your left or my left?
One thing I’ve been seen popping-up around the web and in the halls of public opinion, is the idea that Millennials are narcissistic–“It’s about me, me, me!”
Just Look at What Social Media Has Done!
Just look at Facebook, they say.
Just look at Twitter, they say.
Just look at Instagram, they say.
These social media channels are full of young people updating the masses about what they had for lunch, what movie they’re about to see, and how they just don’t understand why the person sitting next to them is so annoying.
So this plugged in, Internet savvy, smartphone generation must be terribly narcissistic, right?
Wrong.
We need to clear the air on this issue.
I cringe a little when I think about all the Millennials who feel condemned and put-down because of those vocalizing this theory of the “me me me generation.” If you look at things from a Biblical worldview, you know that we are all sinful and terribly selfish. Is this generation, or any other, really that self-centered?
I recently read an excellent article on the Atlantic Wire about the “Me Generation” that resonated with me so much truth.
“Basically, it’s not that people born after 1980 are narcissists, it’s that young people are narcissists, and they get over themselves as they get older. It’s like doing a study of toddlers and declaring those born since 2010 are Generation Sociopath: Kids These Days Will Pull Your Hair, Pee On Walls, Throw Full Bowls of Cereal Without Even Thinking of the Consequences.”
LOL! That’s so true!
The article goes on to reference previous claims of other “me” generations from:
- 2007
- 1996
- 1990
- 1985
- 1980
- 1976
- 1968
- 1907
Wah!
True story.
So, the next time you hear someone rapping on about how Millennials (or any other generation) are all about themselves, take a moment and enlighten them.
Cara Strickland says
The cringe you describe is exactly what I felt as I read this headline, and started reading the article. As with most of the loud things of this world, it’s easy to see the narcissism. These people are literally saying “look at me.” But this is not true of all millennials, and while you made a good point (using the Atlantic article referenced) that other generations have faced this struggle, I still take exception to the words: “it’s that young people are narcissists, and they get over themselves as they get older.” This is a perpetuation of the notion that those who are young are not to be taken seriously, which flies in the face of scripture (let no one look down on your youthfulness). It also suggests something which I find very dangerous: the idea that people grow out of selfish behavior. This does often happen, but not by itself. Aging does not imbue with wisdom, God and experience do that. It is not just millennials who need to press in to God and grow, but everyone.
Eric Dye says
Amen!