Generation Z or Gen Z is the newest generation to be named and were born between 1995 and 2015, known for enthusiast gamers, ever-present on social networks, true digital-ites but sadly also for their antisocial and narcissistic characteristics.
Generation Z is too open-minded by suspending rational judgement and character discernment in favor of being politically correct. They are better at understanding technology but spend so much time on those things that it seems like an unhealthy addiction.
This is one of the main reasons to get hit with mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. There is a lack of real and genuine connection with others and the constant interaction on the internet is causing a lot of physical and mental damage to this generation. Too many drugs, alcohol, weed, marijuana, cigarettes, porn, sex, masturbation, hookups and no long-term goals for marriage and kids.
Illustration by Wren McDonald
I know, I’m just dragging on about how hopeless this generation seems and is, but it’s true. This generation seems to have no limits when it comes to using and abusing these things, where people do everything for sake of trend and forget it the next day when it’s not anymore.
It’s more concerned about hook-ups, going to pubs, sliding hands around bodies and marking territories on necks and shoulders rather than focusing on long term relationships.
And narcissism and antisocial behavior is something that tops the list of this generation.
Tough narcissism and antisocial behavior are quite similar but the narcissist is not typically associated with a history of criminality, less likely to be associated with aggression which better characterizes antisocial behavior.
Antisocial behaviour is characterized by :
- Aggression and violent tendencies
- Hostility towards authority
- Deceitfulness
- Lack of consciences and empathy
- Poor abusive relationships
This behavior is the combination of thoughts, emotions and behaviors shaped through an interaction of inherited tendencies and environmental factors.
Basically, it is triggered by life situations which may cause a change in the functioning of the brain, genetic factors like abnormalities in the Prefrontal cortex of brain while neurobiological risk include maternal drug use during pregnancy.
Families greatly impact the causation of antisocial behavior due to Parent history of antisocial traits, parental alcohol and drug abuse, unstable home life, absence of good parenting, physical abuse, parental instability and economic distress within the family.
On the other hand, a narcissist has an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention, admiration, troubled relationships and a lack of empathy for others.
But behind this mask of high confidence lies a very fragile self-esteem that is vulnerable to slightest of criticism.
The Gen Z people with narcissistic personality get unhappy and disappointed when they are not given the special favors or admiration they believe to deserve.
They often find the relationships unfulfilling and others may not enjoy being around them.
Narcissists have difficulty regulating emotions, adapting to change, feel depressed and moody because they fall short of perfection, feel shame and insecure very easily.
Sometimes they isolate themselves from others so that they do not harm others in this process.
What can be done to stop or reduce this antisocial behavior?
- Try to put yourself under some risk. Start talking to people even when there is a high possibility of social rejection.
- Make strategies, think about what we will say when you meet a person.
- Be prepared for times when you don’t feel like saying anything, leave those moments with the appropriate reaction.
Changing a narcissistic person is difficult but possible. There are a few psychotherapies that help to get cured. But this often takes 5 to 10 years. It is a long, slow and complex process.
Lastly,
‘The world is a tough place, Let’s be kind to each other.’
Ankita Behera is an undergraduate in a bachelor of technology. An amateur writer and a keen nature lover who loves traveling. When asked about life, she says that she is trying to manipulate the truths & realities of her life and weave meaningful stories out of them.
As a writer what are your advice to Gen Z ?
We are getting so self centered that we have literally stopped caring for anyone except ourselves. To not become ‘selfish’ is what we should learn.
As long as we are inside our phones and social media handles…we will be antisocial and narcissistic.
Stop with these social media and see the change
Narcissistic behaviors arise from the fact that we are always told that we are beautiful and life is easy and everything is happy and good…we start believing in that shit as neither we not life is good and beautiful always…So, we tend to value ourselves more than it is required. That should be changed.