Younger generation really is ruder, less likely to tip: Study

Young people really are getting ruder and today's 18 to 34-year-olds are less likely to say hello to neighbours or open the door for the elderly, according to a new study.

The age group is also more reluctant to give a cup of tea to builders or tip the postman at Christmas.

Research showed they were 23 per cent less likely, on average, to carry out common courtesies than over-55s.

Neighbours were ignored by nearly 35 per cent of the group compared with only 15 per cent of over-55s, the 'Daily Mail' reported.

Youngsters were also 18 per cent less likely to open a door for a woman or an elderly person, 17 per cent less willing to give up their seat on public transport for a pregnant woman and 12 per cent less likely to offer it to an elderly passenger.

While 83 per cent of the over-55s surveyed said they would always give builders working in their homes a cup of tea, only half of the younger generation would do the same, according to the YouGov survey of 1,000 adults for RatedPeople.com.

Tipping is another courtesy that seems to have been lost between generations, with the younger group 41 per cent less likely to tip the milkman – if they have one – at Christmas and 36 per cent less likely to give a festive tip to the postman.

While nearly half of over-55s would always tip a hairdresser, less than 30 per cent of 18 to 34-year-olds would.

Psychiatrist Dr Clive Sherlock said the changes in behaviour were evidence of society becoming more selfish and a 'lack of respect'.

"People now are more concerned for themselves and less concerned for other people. Communities are now much more about material gain and looking after your peer group, rather than bothering with the people who live next door or you meet on the street," he said.

Sherlock said it was likely technology was encouraging people to be 'more involved in themselves'.

A separate YouGov study for RatedPeople.com also found the younger generation was less likely to let builders use their toilet or tell them to help themselves to a cup of tea.