Generation Me, made up of 18- to 25-year-olds, has reached the pinnacle of self-obsession, says a recent study conducted by the five psychologists, including lead author Jean Twenge of San Diego State University. The study, spanning 25 years, shows a steady increase in vanity in college-aged students. The 30 percent rise was tracked using a survey known as the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI).

What exactly does all this mean? Mostly, that vanity reaches far beyond the mirror, and can lead to emotional problems. For example, a lack of empathy, defensiveness over criticism, and even risk-seeking behavior in search of attention. The NPI asked questions relating to seven components such as authority, exhibitionism, superiority, vanity, exploitativeness, entitlement and self-sufficiency.

“The difference between being optimistic or confident about your future and having a personality disorder is the effect it has on your personal relationships,” said Dr. Kathryn Anderson, interim department chair of the psychology department.

Narcissism is generally described as grandiose thoughts about one’s self, appearance and capabilities. A severe form known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder is diagnosed less by grandiose thoughts and more by disturbed interpersonal relations.

Freshman Rudy Vaz agrees with the study. “Now it’s all about an image everyone has to uphold, back in the day no one really had to care about their image.”

Despite popular belief, narcissists do not have high self-esteem, but rather an ever-changing self-esteem. Anderson noted that research about this topic has pointed to the self-esteem parenting movement. “There is more acknowledgment of the reward than of the work or effort that went into the reward.”

Is it fair to say that a whole generation is full of narcissists? With social networking sites allowing personal profiles devoted to self promotion it is hard to find the line between narcissism and a personal Web site for making friends.

Freshman Gracie Martinez sees sites such as My Space as an influence, “because you can show yourself off.” But also notes that, “If you are going to see me, see me for who I am.”

Anderson also suggests that, “Who is to say that a different generation would not have taken advantage of something like that in the ’60s or ’70s? It is unfair to say that just because a generation uses sites such as My Space they are more narcissistic… It is in the title, My Space. If you want to put up attractive photos of yourself then why not? I think these Web sites allow introspection and self awareness that is important.”

Bottom line, there are two ways to look at the study: the doom and gloom predictions for an entire generation of narcissists include short-lived romantic relationships, lack of emotional warmth, dishonesty, and over-controlling and violent behaviors. On the other side is a society filled with optimistic individuals who, according to Anderson, “are healthier.”