Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Bommers, and Silents - and What They Mean for America's Future by Jean M Twenge, PhD

BATB score: 7/10 🤓

Best as: a full-blown white paper research on the differences of the different generations under the premise that “the era when you were born has a larger effect on your personality and attitudes than the family who raised you does”

Best for: the nerdiest of nerd; beautiful line graphs on almost every other page; quantitative surveys and qualitative deep dives 📈

BATB lingering thought: the only down part is that it is US-based; I wonder whether the results could still be proxies to the rest of the world.. hmmm.. 🧐

Best to: don’t read it; better wait for someone to make a 10-mins audiobook summary, a YouTube / TedTalk covering the highlights, or attend PhD Jean M. Twenge lectures

Best quotes: “Vietnam War for Boomers; fears of nuclear war with Russia for Gen X; September 11 for Millennials; and Covid pandemic for Gen Z”

“Relative deprivation - a feeling that you’re not doing well compare to others, even if, objectively, you are.”

“Social media isn’t like rat poison, which is toxic to almost everyone. It’s more like alcohol: a mildly addictive substance that can enhance social situations but can also lead to dependency and depression among a minority of users.”

“The country has shifted from a collectivist society, where freedoms and customs were rigid and roles were constrained, to one where individualism and the freedom to be who you want to be are paramount.”

“Millennials to Gen Z. Transition from optimism to pessimism, entitlement to insecurity, and self-confidence to self-doubt.”

“Gen Z is speaking up about their mental health, and they are not shy about it. The less positive news is that they are talking about it more because they are suffering more.” 🫠