Includes bibliographical references (p. 248-274) and index.

You don't need their approval: the decline of social rules - An army of one: me - You can be anything you want to be - The age of anxiety (and depression, and loneliness): generation stressed - Yeah, right: the belief that there's no point in trying - Sex: generation prude meets generation crude - The equality revolution: minorities, women, and gays and lesbians - Applying our knowledge: the future of business and the future of the young.

The Associated Press calls them "The Entitlement Generation," and they are storming into schools, colleges, and businesses all over the country. They are a generation with sky-high expectations and a need for constant praise and fulfillment. Psychologist and social commentator Twenge documents the self-focus of what she calls "Generation Me"--people born in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s--and explores why her generation is tolerant, confident, open-minded, and ambitious but also cynical, depressed, lonely, and anxious. Using findings from the largest intergenerational study ever conducted, Twenge reveals how profoundly different today's young adults are, and makes controversial predictions about what the future holds for them and society as a whole. But Dr. Twenge doesn't just talk statistics--she highlights real-life people and stories and vividly brings to life the hopes and dreams, disappointments and challenges of Generation Me.--From publisher description.