Speaker shares findings of the iGen
Dr. Twenge displays a graph illustrating the rate of high school seniors who use social media.
November 5, 2019
Standing in front of Upper School students and faculty, Dr. Jean Twenge, who is an author, consultant and public speaker, gave a presentation about the impact of smartphones and social media on the social, emotional and physical health of the iGen generation, which comprises people born from 1995-2012.
Dr. Twenge urged students to spend more time with friends by limiting personal time on technology to under two hours. She offered tools to decrease time spent on electronics such as leaving them downstairs or outside your room when going to sleep.
“The best generational labels are the ones that are based on the experiences…these changes happen because of a cultural change,” Dr. Twenge said.
A professor of psychology at San Diego State University, she has written over 130 scientific publications and six books, including iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy – and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood.
She also spoke with parents and faculty about her research.
“I learned a lot, and I hope to use my phone less because it is taking over all of our lives,” said senior Lauren Hankamer.
Below are some links further talking about Dr. Twenge’s work.
