"Narcissism and entitlement among college students are at an all-time high, according to a recent study conducted by a San Diego State University researcher.

"The analysis examined the responses of 16,000 college students across the United States who filled out the Narcissistic Personality Inventory between 1982 and 2006.

"The study, conducted by Jean Twenge, SDSU psychology professor and author of Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled—and More Miserable Than Ever Before, and colleagues at the University of Michigan, the University of Georgia and the University of South Alabama, is the largest ever conducted on generational changes in narcissism, which is characterized by excessive self admiration, vanity and a sense of entitlement…

"Twenge noted that people high in narcissism lack empathy for others, are aggressive when insulted, seek public glory and favor self-enhancement over helping others look good. Narcissists are also more likely to be materialistic and to seek attention and fame…

"The study finds that narcissism is significantly higher in recent generations than in older generations. Thirty percent more college students showed elevated narcissism in 2006 compared to 1982… ‘Current technology fuels the increase in narcissism,' Twenge said. ‘By its very name, MySpace encourages attention-seeking, as does YouTube, whose slogan is "Broadcast Yourself."'"

advancement.sdsu.edu/marcomm/news/releases/spring2007/pr022707.htm