Presentation Title
Discussing strengths and deficits of Millennials as technology savvy counselors
Location
Fenn Tower Ballroom
Presentation Type
Roundtable Discussion
Start Date
4-11-2014 5:00 PM
End Date
4-11-2014 5:50 PM
Abstract
One of the defining traits of the Millennial generation (categorized as those born between 1981 and 1999) is their strong exposure to technology, including the Internet and social networking sites (Bolton et al., 2013). However, this use of technology may contribute to the development of strengths and deficits for Millennials as counselors.
Millennials’ relationship with technology may provide them strengths as a counselor. Millennials have been shown to be more willing to take the initiative to bring about positive change in society, especially when using their technological skills to become politically engaged or to disseminate healthcare information (Bolton et al., 2013; Poona & Leung, 2011). Such skills tie into the theme of this year’s conference because technology may increase Millennials’ abilities as counselors to connect diverse people, communities, and concerns, as they advocate for their clients and communities. Yet some researchers also speculate that such technology use may be related to the measured increase in narcissistic traits among this generation when compared to those same traits in previous generations (Twenge, Konrath, Foster, Campbell, & Bushman, 2008). This may create an area of deficit for counselors who possess a high rate of narcissism as they may lack the critical empathy needed for clients to feel understood by their counselor (Brammer, 1993).
The plan for this roundtable discussion is as follows: To raise questions about the strengths and limitations of Millennials in the counseling field, both as counseling students and licensed counselors in their ability to form relationships with clients, academic staff, and their communities; to discuss ways to evaluate possible strengths and deficits of Millennial generation counselors; to discuss ways students may learn counseling skills if they have a deficit; to acknowledge the need for more research regarding the connection between technology and the relationship building ability of Millennials as counselors.
Discussing strengths and deficits of Millennials as technology savvy counselors
Fenn Tower Ballroom
One of the defining traits of the Millennial generation (categorized as those born between 1981 and 1999) is their strong exposure to technology, including the Internet and social networking sites (Bolton et al., 2013). However, this use of technology may contribute to the development of strengths and deficits for Millennials as counselors.
Millennials’ relationship with technology may provide them strengths as a counselor. Millennials have been shown to be more willing to take the initiative to bring about positive change in society, especially when using their technological skills to become politically engaged or to disseminate healthcare information (Bolton et al., 2013; Poona & Leung, 2011). Such skills tie into the theme of this year’s conference because technology may increase Millennials’ abilities as counselors to connect diverse people, communities, and concerns, as they advocate for their clients and communities. Yet some researchers also speculate that such technology use may be related to the measured increase in narcissistic traits among this generation when compared to those same traits in previous generations (Twenge, Konrath, Foster, Campbell, & Bushman, 2008). This may create an area of deficit for counselors who possess a high rate of narcissism as they may lack the critical empathy needed for clients to feel understood by their counselor (Brammer, 1993).
The plan for this roundtable discussion is as follows: To raise questions about the strengths and limitations of Millennials in the counseling field, both as counseling students and licensed counselors in their ability to form relationships with clients, academic staff, and their communities; to discuss ways to evaluate possible strengths and deficits of Millennial generation counselors; to discuss ways students may learn counseling skills if they have a deficit; to acknowledge the need for more research regarding the connection between technology and the relationship building ability of Millennials as counselors.
