Are we the most selfish and self-obsessed generation in history?

Question

With our TV, radio and internet full of people flashing their wealth and excesses of consumption, are we the most selfish and self-obsessed generation in history? If so, what can we do to change?

If you object to the question why? Are you making a difference in the world? or just don't like being considered as selfish?

Answer 1

I agree that we get more self-absorbed the more material things we have. People young and old alike feel the need to buy new things and never appreciate what they have. I think people don't realize that vacations, new clothes, allowances, all the commodities they have are frivolous because that's all they see. When people around you have the same amount or more stuff, it's harder to see how much you really have.

If it's possible everyone needs to experience poverty-- what it's like to be surrounded by disease, hunger, and lack of electronics. We can step back and look at things in perspective, donate what we have but don't need, be willing to do charity, get out of the bubble we live in and see the rest of the world as it really is. Read the news and be concerned about other countries. Stop the media from displaying wealthy and extravagant lifestyles. Thank you for asking a question like this because it seems that our generation needs to consider the simpler and more moral ways.

Answer 2

Yes, I think so. I mean, why are rich people in the news because of their frivolousness? Why doesn't anyone reprimand them for having two and three houses when some people don't have even one? Why does everyone just let them waste thousands of dollars, when they could be spending their money helping the less fortunate? Just because they donate a couple thousand to charities, it doesn't mean they can still be exempt from squandering money like that. I know it's their money and they can do what they want with it. But it's so selfish of them to be some of the most influential people in the world and not use their power for good.

Answer 3

Every generation is self-obsessed. I suppose we can get rid of our radios, TVs and PCs if we don't want to see it. Personally I don't watch much TV anymore anyway.

Answer 4

Kinda looks that way to me. It's in the parenting and, perhaps, goes in cycles. Thing that scares me is the amount of absolute, utter, complete misinformation and nonsense folks accept as the gospel truth.

Answer 5

yes- how else would you explain plastic surgery (for non-medical purposes) and people that would rather have cool clothes than eat?, and also I see how friends treat their parents- we're the most spoiled generation if anything. People need to do like my parents and whoop some ***!!! LoL

Answer 6

why yes we are. we are wasting everything we will most defiently need in the future. in order for this to change. EVERYONE would need to use only what water they actually need. along with electricty. gas. the ozone layer. cutting down trees. recycling. just everything.

but thats not gonna happen now is it.

Answer 7

The people born in the 70's are the most self-absorbed little punks on the planet.

It's too late to change it..

Answer 8

the way things are apparently headed we'll be lucky to not be the LAST generation in history, eh? ;-)

Answer 9

Yes I think we kind of are, we need to stop being sooo materialistic and add more kindness and consideration into our lives!

Answer 10

i grew up in the seventies..that was the "Me" generation. saw so much self-absorption and selfishness.