Young People’s Mindset: Trends & Influences
- Large-scale data from the Understanding America Study (UAS), tracking 12,000-15,000 Americans since the mid-2010s, reveals statistically meaningful shifts in personality traits among those under 40 over the past...
- While the average changes are modest - roughly two points on scales typically ranging from 10 to 45 - these shifts are noteworthy given the general stability of...
- Initial speculation often points to increased screen time and internet usage as a contributing factor,especially as older demographics haven't exhibited the same degree of change.
Shifts in Personality Traits among Young Adults
Large-scale data from the Understanding America Study (UAS), tracking 12,000-15,000 Americans since the mid-2010s, reveals statistically meaningful shifts in personality traits among those under 40 over the past decade. Specifically, this demographic has shown an increase in neuroticism (a tendency towards negative emotions) alongside a recovery in conscientiousness (organization and responsibility) and extraversion (sociability and assertiveness). trends in kindness/empathy and openness to experience were less pronounced.
While the average changes are modest – roughly two points on scales typically ranging from 10 to 45 – these shifts are noteworthy given the general stability of personality traits over time. These changes are potentially impactful, as traits like conscientiousness and neuroticism are linked to outcomes such as professional success, relationship stability, and longevity.
Exploring Potential Causes
Initial speculation often points to increased screen time and internet usage as a contributing factor,especially as older demographics haven’t exhibited the same degree of change. However, experts caution against overstating this influence. Research suggests the effects of screen time on academic performance and mental health, while present, are often smaller than commonly perceived, and any impact on personality is likely to be similarly subtle.
The COVID-19 pandemic is also a strong contender. Young adults, particularly those in late adolescence and early adulthood - a critical period for social development – experienced significant disruptions to their social lives due to public health measures. This disruption may have temporarily altered responses on personality assessments, and in some cases, led to lasting changes.
Furthermore, societal shifts and evolving life stages are also being considered. The emergence of the “emerging adult” cohort – individuals delaying customary markers of adulthood like stable employment and homeownership – may influence traits like conscientiousness, which typically increases with responsibility.
It’s significant to remember that self-assessment inherent in personality tests introduces a degree of subjectivity, and responses can be influenced by an individual’s desired self-perception. While the UAS is considered a robust study, methodological artifacts can always play a role in observed results.