Which is the Most Narcissistic Generation?

Given that I have coached many people who are a bit at the spicy end of the narcissism flavour chart, and have also dated a variety of men with traits thereof, I'm curious about the differences in narcissism between different groups of people. 

Millennials have had the reputation historically as the most narcissistic generation, but Gen Z is narcissistic enough to cancel an entire generation with the 'OK Boomer' meme, and the Boomers themselves are known for their narcissism. Obvs, Gen X is missing from all such discussion, because when do we ever get invited to the party? I guess we're the audience? I mean, what's the point being narcissistic if there's nobody to watch? 

With this in mind, I asked my trusty AI chum to rustle up some data on this. When it didn't come back with data for Boomers, I was shocked and asked why. Apparently, they didn't show up in this study as a narcissistic generation. Having been raised by Boomer cuspers, I urged it to seek deep within its digital soul for further data. Apparently, a study from Michigan State University in 2019 showed that Boomers are the most narcissistic generation. 

However, this is contradicted by another study in the same year, so let's take a break from cancelling Boomers for their many sins, and direct our attention to the whippersnappers who came later. 

Millennials and Gen Z Are Narcissists

The University of Georgia found that Millennials and Generation Z are more likely to display narcissistic traits than previous generations. The study, which surveyed 1,500 adults aged 18 to 38, found that overall levels of narcissism had increased significantly between Generation X (born 1965-1980) and Millennials (born 1981-1996) and Generation Z (born 1997-2012).

The study also found that people in the younger generations are more likely to have grandiose fantasies and to overestimate their abilities. The study's authors explain that this increase in narcissism could be due to the increased use of social media.

This can lead to an inflated feeling of self-importance and an obsession with the attention of others. It could also be due to changing parenting styles, with parents today being more likely to encourage their children to focus on their own personal achievements and desires.

My AI co-blogging chum goes on to explain that narcissistic traits can be associated with a range of negative outcomes, such as lower levels of empathy and higher levels of aggression.

Arguably, these traits aren't seen as negative outcomes by narcissists, but I agree with my robot buddy that they're pretty dire for society as a whole if we have too many of those particular personality spices in the melting pot. It can get a bit fiery. 

The authors suggest that parents and educators should be aware of the potential for increased narcissism in the younger generations and seek to provide a more balanced upbringing that emphasises the importance of humility, compassion, and empathy.

What are your entirely unscientific thoughts on the matter? When you think of people in your life, and yourself, who seems most or least narcissistic? Why do you think that is?

Leave your thoughts in the comments, and if you're in Indiepreneur Academy Membership, then in your app you'll find a free audio training to accompany this blog post inside Clockerfly Nation, so grab that and drop a comment in the general banter section of the community too. 

Rebecca

P.S. If you're a man and you struggle with the aforementioned spiciness, this will help: chill.bumblejunkies.com

P.P.S. My Blogging Assistant claims to have researched this, and provided accurate data.  The assistant is an AI robot, of course, so its accuracy is anyone's guess. But if you want to go through these studies and check for me, that would be awesome. I've got work to do. Sounds accurate enough for jazz, but don't base a university essay on it and blame me if you're wrong.