Egos on the Rise

Most of us don't need to be told that a lot of people in this world have big egos (not that that is always a bad thing either). However, for those of us who need scientific proof to actually believe things, some researchers released study results at the end of February concluding that people's egos have inflated over time.

The study, led by a San Diego State University psychologist, was the result of 25 years studying college students and their perceptions of themselves. The other researchers came from the Universities of Michgan, Georgia and South Alabama. The conclusion was that two-thirds of college students in 2006 showed narcissism scores above college students in 1982.

The measure of this narcissism was based on answers to a questionaire given to the study subjects where they were prompted to react to statements such as "If I ruled the world, it would be a better place."

While no one would argue there is nothing wrong with have self-confidence, researchers believe that rising egos can eventually lead to personal and social problems for Generation Y, also known as Millennials. People with big egos tend to not get along as well with others - not that there is anything new being stated with that comment. We all know that people who think the world of themselves and think they are better than others, don't get along with the rest of the human race.

The study results (while nothing earth-shattering) would seem to suggest that the self-esteem and "I like me" mantras so dearly loved and taught to Generation Y may be partly to blame for the inflated sense of self too many people have today. Ironically, the self-esteem building that parents thought would be good for their children, has really bred a generation far removed from reality (meaning the downsides and rocky parts of life).

Some may argue that it is good to teach children that they can do anything or be anything, and this is partially true. However, another facet to the whole self-esteem movement was to make kids think that as long as they tried and did their best, then that was sufficient. Thus, when reality hit that sometimes even doing your best, does not land you that job or good grade in school, too many were all too willing to give up as they were unprepared (and unaware) of that reality.

Others may also argue that teaching kids to have high self-esteems can lead to the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. This is also only partially true for the select minority who do start their own businesses or end up becoming leaders of organizations, companies or political systems. At the same time, those people also have the initiative and drive to succeed in that capacity. However, when people are raised to think they are great without having achieved anything, that is where the potential problem may be.

As someone who just recently graduated from college, I see so many college graduates unwilling to accept entry level positions, or who think they are going to land some big-time job just because they have a college degree. The reality is that we all have to start at the bottom. That's life, but people with big egos, never quite get that concept or the idea that they have to prove themselves just like everyone else.