Visual representation of generational differences in hypersensitivity. Illustration by the author
A lot of people call Millennials the “snowflake generation,” saying they’re too sensitive. However, A 2019 peer-reviewed study examined nearly 750 participants aged 13 to 77 to measure narcissistic traits, including hypersensitivity. The study found that participants from earlier birth cohorts, roughly corresponding to Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964; ages 61-79 in 2025), tended to be more hypersensitive, meaning they reacted defensively when challenged, and were less open to feedback. Interestingly, sensitivity seems to drop after about 40, so most people mellow out a bit as they get older. While the younger cohorts ( roughly Millennials, born 1981-1996; ages 29-44 in 2025) scored lower, which means they handled criticism more easily.
Overall, research suggests that Baby boomers turn out to be more sensitive in a defensive sense, while Millennials show lower hypersensitivity. Age and cohort explain these differences, not individual weakness.
Reference:
Chopik, W. J., Newton, N. J., Ryan, L. H., & Kashy, D. A. (2019). Generational and individual differences in narcissism across the life span. Psychology and Aging, 34(8), 1109–1123. https://doi.org/10.1037/pag0000368
