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iGen or shyGen? Generational Differences in Shyness
Louis A Schmidt1, Christina A Brook1, Raha Hassan1
1Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University.
Psychological Science
|April 27, 2023
Summary
Young adults are reporting increased shyness over time. This study found higher shyness levels in Generation Z compared to millennials, with even higher levels observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Developmental Science
Background:
- Popular media often portrays Generation Z as more socially inhibited and risk-averse than previous generations.
- Empirical research is needed to validate these generational differences in social behavior.
- The impact of acute events like the COVID-19 pandemic on generational traits requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically examine between-group differences in self-reported shyness across millennials and Generation Z.
- To assess if shyness levels changed within Generation Z before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To control for age effects using a time-lagged design in generational comparisons.
Main Methods:
- A simplified time-lagged design was employed to compare young adult participants.
- Self-reported shyness was measured in millennial (1999-2001) and Generation Z (2018-2020) cohorts at similar developmental ages.
- Measurement invariance was established to ensure reliable cross-cohort comparisons.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher mean levels of shyness were observed across successive cohorts.
- Millennials reported lower shyness than Generation Z.
- Generation Z participants tested during the COVID-19 pandemic exhibited the highest levels of shyness.
Conclusions:
- Generational differences in shyness are empirically supported, with increasing levels observed over time.
- The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have exacerbated shyness in young adults.
- Findings suggest a trend towards increased social inhibition in younger generations.
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