Episode: 48-are-young-people-really-so-self-absorbed

Today’s younger generations are completely self-absorbed—really? While this may be a popular stereotype, it’s far from the whole truth. Coming up next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 48 show:

Hello, and welcome to the show! I’m your host, Mark Perna and today I want to ask the question: Is it really true that young people only care about themselves? Based on my work with educational and business organizations across the country, I’d have to say: no way. 

Both the millennial and Z Generations are deeply concerned about social and environmental causes that are far beyond their own experience of life. We’ve seen this firsthand in recent months, when racial justice exploded into the national spotlight with the death of George Floyd. Young people everywhere rose up to make their voices heard. They cared.

Despite their own debt and other challenges, young people often financially support the causes they care about. The takeaway is clear: They truly want to be part of a bigger vision beyond themselves.  

If you’re a parent, educator, or employer, you can be an ally in their desire to make the world a better place. Help them think through how they can use their skills, talents, and abilities to the greatest impact. Expand their view (and maybe yours, too) of what they have to contribute. Providing opportunities for volunteerism is an especially powerful strategy because it gives them a unique experience, while also fulfilling their desire to positively influence their community. 

Young people can use their individual abilities to become the change they want to see in the world. They’re wired to believe in and contribute to something bigger than themselves. Doesn’t sound self-absorbed to me.

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