Dr. Jean Twenge, author of Generations, discusses generational trends and the research on Gen Z. They explore declining religious affiliation, decreasing interest in marriage and having children, the impact of technology on mental health issues, challenges of managing children's technology use, and the future of religion amidst generational shifts.
Understanding and engaging younger generations requires research on Gen Z and its implications for pastors, parents, and others.
The decline of religious affiliation among young people, particularly Gen Z, can be attributed to individualism fueled by technology and cultural changes.
Deep dives
Generational differences and the importance of understanding younger generations
Dr. Jean Twang, an expert on generational trends, discusses the need to understand and engage with younger generations. She highlights the importance of research on Gen Z and its implications for pastors, parents, and others. The speaker shares her journey in studying generational differences, starting with her undergraduate thesis, which revealed progressive changes in psychological traits over time. She also critiques the lack of data-driven research in the media's portrayal of generational differences.
The decline of religious affiliation among young people
Dr. Twang discusses the decline of religious affiliation, attendance, and belief among young people, particularly Gen Z. She attributes this decline to the growth of individualism, which is fueled by technology and cultural changes. The speaker highlights how individualism and religion are often at odds, as religion emphasizes something bigger than oneself and adherence to social rules. She suggests that religious institutions face a challenge in reconciling individualism with religious values.
The impact of technology on generational shifts and mental health
Dr. Twang emphasizes the role of technology in driving generational shifts, particularly among Gen Z. She links the rise of mental health issues, such as depression and self-harm, among young people to increased smartphone and social media use. The speaker notes a significant increase in clinical depression, suicide rates, and emergency room admissions for self-harm behaviors. She suggests that the formula of spending more time online, less time with friends, and decreased sleep negatively impacts mental health. The speaker encourages parents to be vigilant in managing technology use and highlights the need for further research and action to address these concerning trends.
How can we best understand and engage younger generations today? Our guest today, Dr. Jean Twenge, is a professor of psychology at SDSU and the author of Generations. She has been one of our go-to scholars on generational trends and has just released a 500-page book that traces generational changes from Silents (b. 1925-1945), Boomers, Xers, Millennials, Gen Z, and up to the newest generation emerging today (polars). Join Scott and Dr. Twenge as they discusses the research on Gen Z and what it means for pastors, parents, and others who care about understanding and mentoring the next generation.
Jean M. Twenge, Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University, is the author of more than 180 scientific publications and 7 books, including iGen, GenerationMe, and The Narcissism Epidemic.
Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California.
To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.
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