The real differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers and Silents

Katie Couric talks to Jean Twenge, Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University, and author of the new book Generations: The Real Differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers and Silents and What they Mean for America’s Future. Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/KatieCouric Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiecouric/ Subscribe to my podcast: ApplePodcasts.com/KatieCouric Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatieCouric Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/katiecouric 00:00 What got Jean Twenge interested in studying generations 00:41 Does generational research lead to too much generalizations? 01:17 Is it the tendency of every generation to criticize the generation that follows? 02:11 How do you make sure you survey a diverse group for a generational study? 03:07 How much do big world events shape generations? 03:41 Why technology has the biggest impact on generations 06:01 What characterizes the attitudes and lifestyle of the boomer generation? 07:51 What else shaped the boomer generation 08:44 What will our country look like when the boomer generation passes away 09:24 Some of the challenges boomers have faced 11:19 How the television was the prevailing technology that changed the lives of boomers 13:06 How the birth control pill changed the lives of boomers 13:46 What impact did historical events like the Vietnam War and Watergate have on Boomers? 15:21 Is boomers’ adherence to individualism responsible for their desire to hold onto power? 16:08 Do boomers want to retire? 17:20 How do attitudes about working vary across different generations? 20:55 What is the significance of younger generations creating boundaries between work and home life 22:40 The mental health crisis of depression that is facing Gen Z 25:11 What impact social media has on depression in so many young people today 27:49 How addictive are our phones and social media? 28:38 Besides social media, what else is causing young people to be so depressed? 31:12 Why is Gen Z so much more open and willing to talk about gender and sexuality? 33:57 What role has social media played in more people talking about gender and sexuality? 35:39 Why are so many young men not having sex? 37:33 Why free speech is an issue that each generation feels differently about 40:01 What is the most striking thing about the polars, the generation that follows Gen Z