Adulthood Quote by Jean M. Twenge
““Some suggest that this cocoon mentality is behind recent campus trends such as "trigger warnings" to alert students that a reading or lecture material might be disturbing and "safe spaces" where students can go if they are upset by a campus speaker's message. One safe space, for example, featured coloring books and videos of frolicking puppies, neatly connecting the idea of safe spaces with that of childhood.””
About This Quote
Source Book: iGen: The Smartphone Generation, Jean M. Twenge, 2017
The quote critiques “cocoon” attitudes on campuses that prioritize emotional comfort over intellectual challenge, linking trigger warnings and safe spaces to infantilization.
In simple terms: Campus culture often shields students from discomfort, limiting growth.
Key Takeaway
Encourage exposure to challenging ideas.
Themes
education
free speech
psychology
culture
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
commentary
When to use this quote
- university classrooms
- student orientation
- policy debates
Key Concepts
cocoon mentality
trigger warnings
safe spaces
Questions to Reflect On
- How does shielding affect resilience?
- What balance between safety and challenge is healthy?
A Different Perspective
Overprotective environments can hinder critical thinking.
