In response to data that indicate conscientiousness declining among young adults, a reporter analyzed how lower levels of responsibility and commitment affect the culture and daily life.

John Burn-Murdoch wrote for the Financial Times that conscientiousness, a quality he defined as “being dependable and disciplined” is linked, along with other traits, to professional success, longevity, and durable relationships. He also noted that studies have indicated those traits are more conducive to a good quality of life than intelligence or socio-economic backgrounds.

“Of all personality types, conscientious people tend to fare best on a number of key measures,” he wrote. “They live the longest, have the most career success and are less likely to go through divorce. They even manage to hold down a job during recessions.”

Contemporary culture is inundating society with comfort and instant gratification, according to Burn-Murdoch. He highlighted the rise of artificial intelligence, noting that once-challenging school assignments or pursuits of knowledge can easily be traded for quick access to an answer.

Burn-Murdoch raised concerns about data that suggest younger adults make up most of the population shifting away from conscientiousness. He added that younger generations are also demonstrating high levels of anxiety and reclusiveness, writing, “long the most extroverted group in society, young adults are now the most introverted.”

“Decades of research consistently finds that all these shifts are in the direction associated with negative outcomes down the line,” he continued. 

Burn-Murdoch concluded that younger generations can achieve positive shifts in personality and reverse the trend.

Yet, he noted, "Ironically, that will take some dedication.”