Our Changing Culture

Internet Addiction

Is Screen Time Bad for Teens?

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on April 6, 2022

Confused about whether screen time matters for teen mental health? New studies show it does—sometimes.

Happiness

What Makes Teens Happier

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on August 31, 2018

How do happy teens spend their time?

Self-Harm

5 Reasons Why Self-Harm and Depression Have Tripled in Girls

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on November 21, 2017

Why are three times as many girls harming themselves? There's a likely culprit.

Health

Making iGen's Mental Health Issues Disappear

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on August 31, 2017

Do we really need to worry about iGen's mental health? Yes, we do.

Depression

Why So Many Teens Today Have Become Depressed

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on August 25, 2017

Why are so many teens depressed and lonely? The technology meant to connect us may have instead depressed us.

Narcissism

Adam Ruined My Research

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on June 8, 2017

What happens when you meet someone who criticized your research? A debate about generations, and a story of open discussion.

Career

The Real Truth About Generational Differences

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on May 12, 2017

Do generations actually exist? The truth about Millennials.

Sport and Competition

Here Comes the iGen—and Businesses Can Rejoice

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on April 12, 2017

iGen and Millennials are actually less entrepreneurial -- and that's a good thing for managers

Sex

Why Couples Are Having So Much Less Sex

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on March 7, 2017

Why Americans are having less sex.

President Donald Trump

Five Reasons Why Millennials Helped Elect Donald Trump

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on November 16, 2016

How could so many young people have possibly have voted for Trump? Here are five reasons.

Empathy

Why Parents Insist on Giving Their Babies Unusual Names

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on September 28, 2016

What's going on with baby names? Blame Millennials and their need for uniqueness.

Trust

The Paradox of the American Voter

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on September 7, 2016

What's up with voters these days? Cultural psychology explains it all

Sex

Young People Aren't Having as Much Sex as They Used To

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on August 2, 2016

Surprise: Young adults today are less likely to be sexually active. What gives?

Sex

Why We're Having More Same-Sex Relationships Than Ever

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on June 1, 2016

More Americans are having sex with partners of the same gender. Here's why this is happening, and why it's a good thing.

Religion

The Decline in Religion Comes Home

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on March 23, 2016

Changes in religious practice among Americans mean we are quickly heading toward a much more secular society. One third of Millennials and iGen are already there.

Career

Do Millennials Have a Lesser Work Ethic?

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on February 24, 2016

Do young people really have a work ethic problem? A look at the evidence.

Happiness

Why Adults Are Less Happy Than They Used to Be

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on November 6, 2015

Why American adults aren't as happy as they used to be.

Health

Are Mental Health Issues On the Rise?

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on October 12, 2015

Are today's young people more anxious and depressed, or does it just seem that way?

Religion

The Most Remarkable Thing About the Pope’s Visit

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on September 24, 2015

Pope Francis' stunning message to nonbelievers

Gender

Why Working Mothers Shouldn’t Feel Guilty

Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on July 7, 2015

What do people really think about working mothers?