Why are today's children less rebellious, more tolerant, less happy, and completely unprepared for adult life (and what does this mean for the rest of us)? They were born after 1995. They grew up with mobile phones, acquired an Instagram account before they even went to school, and cannot imagine the world without the Internet. They are iGen, the Internet generation.

In her highly discussed book, Dr. Jean Twenge outlines the revealing portrait of a generation that is maturing more slowly and with more anxiety – but is more tolerant and secure – than any other generation in history. Analyzing data from decades of surveys, Dr. Twenge identifies the unusual views of the Internet generation on issues of religion, sexuality, and politics, and finds unprecedented levels of anxiety and loneliness.

As this new generation of people comes of age, there is an urgent need for parents, educators, and employers to understand them. Inevitably, after all, the Internet generation will shape the future of the world.

Building on Jean Twenge's research on the Internet generation, Apple shareholders wrote an open letter calling for the company to study the impact of smartphone use on children's development. Jean M. Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University, is the author of more than 120 scientific publications, several books, and academic texts. Her research has been covered by publications including Time, Newsweek, The New York Times, USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, and The Washington Post.