Narcissism Epidemic: Why There Are So Many Narcissists Now

Reader Comments
Back to article

Erin, that is true about many of the Baby Boomers and it has snow balled from there to the Generation X. Now we are in a situation where we are developing yet another generation... Generation Y or I.
Many of our grandparents grew up in a much tougher world and went through many hardships in the process growing up. They saw the pain and struggles their parents went through during the Great Depression and such. Their kids (Baby Boomers) were then raised with the thought they (the generation before Baby Boomers) were going to make their life easier for their children and they wouldn't have to suffer like them or for sure their parents. Now we are just going further and further into this line of thinking. Narcissism is just getting worse and worse. More people need to be told STFU and less letting them get away with thinking everything their kids or themselves do is special or deserved.

Ben of KS 4:31PM May 17, 2009

Each of you bring thoughtful and insightful responses to the discussion. And for that I commend you. However, I can’t help but notice that most the evidence the author cites about narcissism is part of youth culture: facebook, myspace, and the like. Indeed the even subtitle reads “why today's kids—and adults—feel so entitled”.
True, with the advent of new technologies we are able to communicate more easily than previously. Where we once had letters, email communicates instantly. And even swifter are facebook and instant messenger where one can update listeners to one's mood every three seconds if one so desires.And true, reality shows are truly obnoxious. But I also seem to remember hearing about not trusting anyone over thirty,long hair, and drug culture as well.
Thus as a member of today's adults I would leave like posters this thought. It may well be that adults and children of my generation are,as a group, more materialistic and self-centered than in years past. But is this narcissism or the dance of generations?

Erin of WI 8:55PM May 11, 2009

I have thought for some time that there's a rise in narcissism, and, I'm happy to see this subject in the popular media.
There was a time when children had REAL work to do: to help the family (whether farm or garden, livestock or pets, production or chore) and to be a part of something larger than themselves.
But today, our kids have no GREAT entity to relate to. It's all about 1)their peer group and 2)their line of credit.
Marriages break apart, families don't hold onto traditional lines of work, everything is changing, so, we all focus on the child as an INDIVIDUAL and not on the child as a PART.
In the end, I feel it's a great burden to be an Individual who must succeed alone, as opposed to a Person who grows within a group/culture/trade/family/industry.
I believe, ultimately, we're social beings and we're most healthy when connected closely together.

movocelot of TX 1:54PM April 28, 2009

I believe its not just parents, it also is happening in the school system, (every thing has to be fair, we dont want to hurt someones feeling) Well I think that is just part of life, feeling get hurt, I always start singing the "Rolling Stone's" song "YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT" when my daughter act's up or start to whine cause she cant have something or have it her way.

Tams of WA 1:51PM April 28, 2009

I also believe your writer has confused garden-variety narcissim with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, which causes much devastation and pain. NPD is a Cluster B personality disorder and individuals who have it cause much devastation, chaos and pain. There is no cure or treatment for NPD and it is thought to be caused by childhood abuse, not by letting a kid determine what he wants for dinner.
How about hiring grownup writers who know how to do research so your articles are accurate and educate people about this harmful disorder that permeates our society?

pj of FL 9:14PM April 27, 2009

I believe that you have confused narcissistic personality disorder with self centered behavior. However, since most people will not bother to look it up and want to accept the lighter definition then perhaps it's get some point across. When it's a quirky bit of vanity, it's one thing and when it becomes a destroy everyone but me mentality it is a whole other issue. I don't think we should blame it on the hippies. Although not one myself, I believe they were into communal life and sharing. I don't think that's quite a narcissist. However there would be the pack leader and he/she then might have the full affliction. I think these sentiments have been expressed in some of the other posts. A timely article and likely all that anyone could take at this time. I believe that it would be cruel to shock the populace with the bold truth.
When we start rewarding NON narcissistic behavior then there might be a chance for lowering the statistics.

sallylacovitzer of ND 4:14PM April 25, 2009

The bible tells us that in the last days that men/women will be lovers of themselves...this is the last of the days....and we are reaping a worldwind. Repent people and turn to God.

Lily of OK 2:02AM April 24, 2009

I used to work for a large fortune 500 company in an environment where employees had high interaction and shared work. Also there were multiple levels of management present within the building. The narcissistic behavior of co-workers and management alike was very apparant. In fact it was very disruptive, counter-productive and caused a great deal of stress as well as low morale. I hear similar stories from others who have worked in various jobs and fear the corporate culture is infected with narcissism.

Robert of NY 4:24PM April 23, 2009

I was also intrigued by this article and the comments about it. Please don't confuse narcissism with confidence. Also, it is a fallacy to say that narcissism is a problem and that it can be considered an epidemic.Sigmund Freud believed that some narcissism is an essential part of all of us from birth and was the first to use the term in the reference to psychology. Just like everything else, it should be moderate.

Joel Reyna of TX 2:39PM April 23, 2009

Self focused independence at the expense of others creates a mutual competition that indermines combined creativity, compassion, and self-sacrificing integrity.
There are many different kinds of parasites - as many as there are types of personalities.
But, the problem isn't that people are narcissistic at the core.
It is a symptom of technology combined with the ability to supply and serve every whim we might imagine. Never before in the history of the earth has this been possible.
The basic problem is prioritizing "money, and what it can do for me" over our cares and concerns for others.
This has been repeatedly driven into our minds and hearts by advertising for over 40 years.

Mart of KS 4:40AM April 23, 2009