Jean Twenge’s new study suggests that the young are the losers in a society transformed by technology.
Jean Twenge’s latest study offers a sobering look at how technology has exacerbated generational divides. Her findings suggest that younger generations are bearing the brunt of societal changes driven by digital transformation. As the world has become more interconnected through technology, the consequences of this shift are being felt most acutely by the youth, who are often seen as both the beneficiaries and the casualties of this new landscape.
Twenge’s work highlights the rise in anxiety, depression, and a sense of isolation among young people, which she argues can be linked to their constant engagement with social media and digital technologies. This digital saturation, while opening up new forms of connection and expression, has also fostered an environment of comparison and superficiality. Younger generations are more likely to feel the pressure of measuring their lives against idealized portrayals on screens, leading to a rise in mental health struggles that were not as prevalent in previous eras.
At the same time, Twenge’s research suggests that this generation’s struggles are exacerbated by the disconnect between the fast-paced technological changes they face and the slower-moving social structures that are supposed to support them. The traditional support systems—such as families, schools, and communities—are often ill-equipped to deal with the unique challenges posed by digital life. As a result, young people find themselves navigating a world that seems to both overwhelm and undernourish them.
This generation gap, as Twenge presents it, is not simply about technology itself but about the broader cultural and societal shifts it has driven. While older generations may struggle to understand the depth of the issues facing young people today, they often hold onto outdated norms and expectations. The result is a sense of alienation, where young people feel that their experiences are not recognized or validated by the structures meant to guide them.
The dilemma, Twenge argues, is that society has become more fragmented, and the tools that could have brought people closer together—such as social media and instant communication—have instead fostered a culture of disconnection. The very technologies that promised to democratize communication and allow for greater global solidarity have, in many ways, deepened existing divides.
In this new reality, young people face a paradox. They are living in a world more connected than ever, yet they are more isolated than previous generations. They are the first generation to grow up fully immersed in digital technology, and it is unclear whether the benefits of this connectivity outweigh the mental health challenges it has brought.
Twenge’s study ultimately suggests that if society is to address the generational divides exacerbated by technology, it must rethink how it provides support to young people. Mental health resources, better education on digital literacy, and a more compassionate understanding of the pressures young people face are essential if the gaps between generations are to be bridged.
