SWA 6

In their article “Gen Y’s Ego Trip Takes a Bad Turn,” authors Larry Gordon and Louis Sahagun make the claim that today’s Millennial Generation, also known as Gen Y, are more self-absorbed and full of themselves then generations in the past. The article begins with a reference to YouTube’s rise in popularity. This site allows anyone to post videos of themselves doing an infinite range of things just to gain popularity and attention. The authors also reference a thirty percent rise in narcissism among college students since 1982, and include quotes from many high-ranking university professors. They also use common personal objects, such as cell phones and iPods, to show the peoples increased egos and their necessity to be in “their own little world.” The common theme among all the interviewed professors is that our society is moving more towards a me-first idea, which will inhibit the success that comes from cooperation.

While the authors are quick to mention the negative path our generation appears to be heading down, they neglect to mention how changes in society require this influx in self-absorption. One example that comes to mind is college applications. Guidance counselors encourage students to inflate their resumes, emphasize the littlest things about themselves, and talk themselves up to admissions reviewers. Essentially, society, like college admissions, has become so competitive that students need a slight ego and self-esteem boost just to be able to compete in it. While the author’s claims are justified, they do not do a good job in mentioning changes in our culture that influenced this change.