Top iGen trends

Ten important trends shape iGen’ers, says Jean Twenge in her new book, iGen, and these will shape our culture for years to come.

IN NO HURRY Teenagers’ childhoods are extending into adolescence. INTERNET They’re spending more time on phones and social media, and less time reading and going out to movies. IN PERSON NO MORE In-person social interactions are declining.

INSECURE Mental health issues are increasing.

IRRELIGIOUS The numbers who belong to any religion are declining, with iGen’ers more likely than any generation before them to be raised by religiously unaffiliated parents. INSULATED They’re interested in safety. IGen was the childhood of the car seat, of being picked up at school instead of walking home, and of sanitised plastic playgrounds. INCOME INSECURITY Teens have new attitudes toward work, in that they’re working to earn, but not to shop. INDEFINITE They’re less likely than their predecessors to go on dates and have sex as high school students, and are postponing getting into romantic relationships.

INCLUSIVE They expect equality and are often surprised, even shocked, to encounter prejudice. INDEPENDENT Political party affiliations are falling by the wayside as teens look for authenticity above all else.