iGen is made up of people born from roughly 1995 to 2015. The most significant influences on iGen seem to be the rise of the internet around 1995 (basically the i in iGen) and the ubiquity of smartphones starting in 2007. iGen’ers grew up online—they don’t know any other world. Growing up online has led to numerous changes (good and bad) in communication, mental health, safety, sexuality, politics, and more. If you are interested in this, I would highly recommend reading the book. A few major trends that Professor Twenge observed include:
- My Phone is My Life: As of 2015, 2 out of 3 teens had an iPhone. Social media apps (Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, etc.) and texting are the primary forms of communication for iGen. For most teens (and adults!), phone use has developed into a full-blown addiction consuming multiple hours every day. iGen’ers are working less, going out with friends less, and spending less time face to face with others. They are replacing that time with screen time playing video games, watching YouTube or Netflix, and texting with friends. With the increase of cyberbullying and an addiction to getting likes and followers, depression, anxiety, and suicide have all increased dramatically. Teens are more connected than ever but more lonely and insecure than ever.
- Delayed Adulthood: iGen waits longer to get a drivers license, try alcohol, have sex, start dating, move out, get a job, get married, have kids, etc. Teen birth rates have gone down, and teens apparently don’t party like they used to. Parents are more involved in their kids’ lives than previous generations and kids are waiting longer to “adult.” (e.g., “I hate paying bills” #adultingishard) However, they do seem to catch up in their 20’s in many areas leaving a steep learning curve when they do move out.
- The Need for Safety: iGen values both physical and emotional safety far more than previous generations and is safer in many ways. This is one reason for many of the delays to adulthood, but this has also given rise to the trends of requiring safe-spaces on college campuses and the impulse to censor speakers or speech that is considered offensive (for any reason). Long-term relationships appear risky so, ironically, the hook-up culture (fueled by dating apps like Tinder) appeals to the need for safety. Pornography has also contributed to the separation of sex from emotional connection.
- Individualism: Many religious, political, and sexual views of iGen emphasize the importance of the needs/desires of the individual over a social group or state interest. iGen’ers are more racially diverse and more inclusive in attitudes on sexuality, race, and gender than previous generations. But as a result, they are hesitant to label anything as wrong for someone else. The thinking is, “You need to ‘do you,’ and be true to yourself.” iGen tends to be political independents and less involved in religion, although evangelicals have not seen the same drop off that mainline denominations have.
I’m interested in understanding this for two reasons: 1) I’m a pastor, and I need to know how different generations think, what their influences and values are, and how the gospel might connect with and challenge their lives. Know your audience, right? And 2) I’m a dad of three iGen’ers, and I want to know how to help my kids grow up, find healthy relationships, meaningful vocations, and vibrant faith. As a dad, I get a front row seat to see the differences of iGen compared to Millennials, Generation X’ers, and Boomers before them.