iGen

1. iGen: The smartphone generation born 1995-2012

iGen is on the verge of the most severe mental health crisis for young people in decades.

Digital natives. iGen, born between 1995 and 2012, is the first generation to grow up with smartphones and social media as an integral part of their lives. This technological immersion has profoundly shaped their behaviors, attitudes, and worldviews. They are true digital natives, navigating the online world with ease but often struggling with face-to-face interactions.

Distinct characteristics. iGen differs significantly from previous generations in how they spend their time, their attitudes toward religion, their sexuality, and their political views. They are growing up more slowly, less likely to engage in adult activities like driving or working, and more focused on safety and caution. These traits have far-reaching implications for education, work, relationships, and society as a whole.

2. Growing up slowly: Delayed adulthood and independence

18-year-olds now look like 14-year-olds once did and 14-year-olds like 10- or 12-year-olds.

Extended adolescence. iGen teens are less likely to engage in traditional markers of adulthood compared to previous generations:

• Fewer have driver's licenses
• Less likely to work part-time jobs
• Decreased dating and sexual activity
• Lower rates of alcohol consumption

Parental involvement. Parents of iGen are more protective and involved in their children's lives, often managing their schedules and solving problems for them well into young adulthood. This extended childhood may leave iGen unprepared for the challenges of independence and adulthood.

3. Internet obsession: Screen time dominates iGen's life

The average teen checks her phone more than eighty times a day.

Digital immersion. iGen spends a significant portion of their leisure time on smartphones and other devices:

• Texting: 2¼ hours per day
• Internet: 2 hours per day
• Electronic gaming: 1½ hours per day
• Video chat: ½ hour per day

Decline in other activities. This increased screen time has led to a sharp decline in other activities, particularly reading books and magazines, watching TV, and going out with friends. The constant digital connection has reshaped how iGen interacts with the world and processes information.

4. In-person no more: The decline of face-to-face interaction

iGen teens are spending about an hour a day less on average on in-person social interaction than Gen X teens did.

Virtual socializing. iGen prefers digital communication over face-to-face interactions, leading to:

• Fewer in-person hangouts with friends
• Decreased attendance at parties and social events
• Less dating and romantic relationships

Social skills impact. This shift away from in-person socializing may be hindering the development of crucial social skills and emotional intelligence. Many iGen members report feeling uncomfortable or anxious in face-to-face social situations, preferring the perceived safety and control of digital interactions.

5. Mental health crisis: Rising rates of anxiety and depression

The traits and trends of iGen can seem puzzling or even counterintuitive, but if we want to interact with them successfully—to parent them, to teach them, to work with them, to market to them—we need to understand who they are and why they behave in the ways that they do.

Alarming trends. iGen is experiencing unprecedented levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness:

• 31% more 8th and 10th graders felt lonely in 2015 than in 2011
• Major depressive episodes among 12-17 year-olds increased by 56% between 2010 and 2015
• Teen suicide rates have risen dramatically since 2011

Potential causes. Several factors may contribute to this mental health crisis:

• Increased screen time and social media use
• Decreased face-to-face social interaction
• Academic and economic pressures
• Overprotective parenting styles

6. Irreligious: Declining religious beliefs and practices

iGen is, with near certainty, the least religious generation in US history.

Secularization. iGen shows a marked decline in religious affiliation and practices:

• More identify as atheist or agnostic
• Fewer attend religious services regularly
• Less likely to pray or believe in God

Shifting values. This move away from organized religion reflects broader cultural shifts towards individualism and skepticism of traditional institutions. However, many iGen members still express interest in spirituality and finding meaning in life, albeit through non-traditional channels.

7. Safety first: A cautious and protected generation

iGen'ers are not more responsible, virtuous, or boring—they are simply taking longer to grow up.

Risk aversion. iGen tends to be more cautious and safety-conscious than previous generations:

• Lower rates of teenage drinking and drug use
• Decreased engagement in risky behaviors
• Greater concern for physical and emotional safety

Overprotection concerns. While this focus on safety has some positive outcomes, it may also be hindering iGen's ability to develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and independence. Some argue that this overprotection leaves iGen ill-equipped to handle real-world challenges and setbacks.

8. Inclusive yet polarized: New attitudes on identity and politics

iGen takes acceptance of others so much for granted that you can almost hear them yawn.

Embracing diversity. iGen is the most diverse generation in US history and generally holds inclusive attitudes toward race, gender, and sexuality:

• Strong support for LGBTQ+ rights and same-sex marriage
• More likely to have friends from different racial backgrounds
• Increased acceptance of non-traditional gender identities

Political divisions. Despite their inclusive attitudes, iGen is also experiencing increased political polarization:

• More likely to hold extreme political views (both liberal and conservative)
• Less trusting of government and traditional institutions
• Growing support for both socialist and libertarian ideas

9. Insecure: Economic uncertainty shapes iGen's outlook

iGen sees another possible barrier to success: sexism.

Financial anxiety. Growing up in the aftermath of the Great Recession has left iGen with significant economic concerns:

• Worried about finding stable, well-paying jobs
• Anxious about student loan debt
• Less optimistic about achieving traditional markers of success (homeownership, financial stability)

Pragmatic approach. These economic pressures have led iGen to adopt a more practical outlook on education and careers:

• More likely to choose majors based on job prospects rather than passion
• Increased interest in entrepreneurship and side hustles
• Greater emphasis on work-life balance and flexible career paths

10. Indefinite: Changing views on sex, relationships, and family

iGen'ers are less likely to have sex as teens and young adults; they are less likely to.

Shifting priorities. iGen is redefining traditional notions of relationships and family:

• Delaying serious romantic relationships and marriage
• Less interested in having children or see it as a distant future possibility
• More accepting of non-traditional family structures and lifestyles

Hook-up culture paradox. While iGen is more accepting of casual sex and hook-up culture, they are actually having less sex than previous generations. This disconnect may be due to:

• Increased caution and fear of emotional vulnerability
• Preference for online interactions over real-world dating
• Pornography and unrealistic expectations about sex and relationships

Understanding these key aspects of iGen is crucial for parents, educators, employers, and marketers seeking to connect with and support this generation. By recognizing their unique challenges and strengths, we can better prepare iGen for success in a rapidly changing world.

Last updated: October 31, 2024