La génération Z : une nouvelle sorte d'individualistes ?

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The lecture offers a solid value through the use of a rigorous scientific reference book (Twenge) and the introduction of comparative longitudinal data. The argument is built in a structured way, combining statistics, individual testimonies, and a nuanced reflection on the causal role of the smartphone. The speaker demonstrates intellectual honesty by noting limits of the approach (especially the American-centric bias) and by questioning the universality of the results, while comparing them to local observations. The reasoning is well supported by specific examples (e.g. the decrease of face-to-face contact and sexual activity, the rise of depression indicators) and shows both scientific and critical quality.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The lecture relies on a strong scientific source, Jean Twenge’s book ‘iGen’ (2017), whose robust methodology (large-scale standardized surveys, test-retests, statistical analyses) is detailed. The speaker explicitly distinguishes facts from interpretations and question the validity of certain conclusions. He also enriches his argument with recent data from the Covid period and with local observations for Belgium. The sources are adequately identified, and the lecture presents an honest discussion of the evidence. The title accurately reflects the content. No public audience level is mentioned, but the presentation is aimed at a general educated audience. The speaker’s academic background (PhD in political science, professor at ULB, director of CRISP) adds to the credibility of the analysis. The title is perfectly consistent with the content, as the entire lecture is a nuanced interrogation about Generation Z’s alleged individualism.

The title accurately reflects the content, which examines whether Generation Z can be described as individualist, considering various dimensions drawn from empirical studies.

7/10

The lecture is based on documented research, primarily Jean Twenge's iGen, supported by longitudinal surveys with large samples, and an effort to distinguish US-specific results from those applicable to Belgium. The speaker maintains a nuanced, critical tone and regularly questions the validity of certain claims.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 02:00Introduction of the lecture and presentation of the central question: is Generation Z individualist?
• 08:00Presentation of Jean Twenge's statistical method and the key role of large longitudinal surveys.
• 16:00First major trend: the sharp increase in time spent alone among teenagers, correlated with smartphone usage.
• 24:00Decline of direct social contacts: fewer evenings out, fewer friendships, rise of digital interactions.
• 32:00Analysis of the impact of social media on self-esteem and the search for approval, with testimonies from young people.
• 40:00The rise of mental health issues (depression, self-harm, suicide risks) among teenagers since around 2012.
• 48:00Second surprising trend: young people grow up more slowly, delaying crossing adult milestones (license, romantic relationships, marriage).
• 1:00:00Conclusion: the relative relevance of the American case for Belgium, and the need for a nuanced view.

• Collège Belgique – upcoming lectures programme — Link to the Collège Belgique programme, where the lecture was given.
• YouTube playlist of the 2026 Collège Belgique conferences — Playlist containing other conference recordings of the Collège Belgique.

• Jean Twenge, 'iGen' (2017) — The main source of the lecture, documenting the trends among Generation Z in the United States.

• Critiques of the smartphone causal explanation — The speaker himself notes that not all trends can be attributed to the smartphone alone, and that other factors may be at play, but he does not name a specific contradictory source.