by Viktor Fersht
The main psychological traits of 21st-century people include high aggression, weak empathy, increased flexibility and adaptability, prevaling clip thinking, rapid satiation with everything, and irrationality in decision making.
As humanity advances in its moral and psychological development, representatives of the new psychology quickly adapt to new conditions and life rules. From the perspective of proponents of old psychological principles, they might not have as high morals and life principles as the literary heroes of past centuries. However, they demonstrate more successful survival, adaptability, and prospects.
In the context of massive overpopulation of the Earth, sharp deterioration of the environment and climate, natural selection comes to the forefront again. It demands precisely those qualities that distinguish representatives of the new psychology from the inflexible and unadapted defenders of the morals of the bygone era.
Several sources in the English-speaking internet touch upon this topic. These sources discuss psychological traits such as aggression, empathy, flexibility, adaptability, and the impact of modern social conditions on human behavior. Here are some relevant findings:
1. Aggression and Empathy
- Studies have examined the relationship between empathy and aggression. Research published on NCBI showed a weak link between empathy and aggression, suggesting that people with lower empathy may exhibit higher levels of aggression. This reflects the idea that modern people may display high aggression and weak empathy[4]. Another study emphasized that aggressive individuals often show weakened empathetic responses, correlating with the severity of their aggressive behavior[4].
2. Flexibility and Adaptability
- The concept of cognitive flexibility is crucial in the 21st century. Cognitive flexibility refers to the ability to quickly and easily switch between different ideas and tasks, necessary for adapting to new and changing conditions. This aligns with the idea that modern people are characterized by high adaptability and flexibility[5].
3. Clip Thinking and Rapid Satiation
- While specific terms like "fragmented thinking" are not widely used in academic literature, the general idea of reduced attention spans and rapid information processing is well-documented. The prevalence of digital media and constant exposure to new information contribute to shorter attention spans and the need for quick satisfaction, which can be viewed as rapid satiation.
4. Irrationality
- The concept of irrationality in modern behavior can be linked to various psychological studies that examine decision-making processes under uncertainty and stress. Modern societal pressures and the fast-paced nature of life can lead to more impulsive and less rational decision-making.
5. Adaptation to New Conditions
- The ability to adapt to new conditions and life rules is a recurring theme in discussions of 21st-century skills. Flexibility and adaptability are considered essential for success in both personal and professional life. Modern research shows that people with good cognitive flexibility skills experience higher resilience to negative life events and stress, higher levels of creativity, and better quality of life[5].
6. Natural Selection and Survival
- The idea that modern traits such as adaptability and flexibility are crucial for survival in the context of overpopulation and environmental challenges is reflected in discussions about the future of human behavior and societal evolution. The concept of natural selection favoring these traits in the modern world is a topic of interest in evolutionary psychology and sociology.
Conclusion
The psychological traits of 21st-century people, such as high aggression, weak empathy, flexibility, adaptability, fragmented thinking, rapid satiation, and irrationality, are discussed in various academic and popular sources. These traits are often seen as adaptations to a rapidly changing, information-rich, and constantly evolving modern world. The emphasis on flexibility and adaptability as key skills for overcoming contemporary challenges aligns with broader themes of survival and success in a complex and dynamic environment.
Integrating these findings, we see that the psychological landscape of the 21st century is shaped by a combination of technological, social, and environmental factors that influence human behavior and cognitive processes.
Viktor Fersht
Professor
Nobel Academy
Belgrade, Serbia
Sources:
1. [NCBI - The Link Between Empathy and Aggression](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9632554/)
2. NCBI - Social Cognition in Aggressive Offenders: Impaired Empathy](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5429629/)
3. [YouTube - 21st Century Skills | Flexibility](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hosZVdUY5L0)
Citations:
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