i think you missed the point on the article. it's not saying the claims aren't true at all. it's saying that this is just how young people have always been in general. That there is nothing special about millennials so you shouldn't be facing an uniquely bigger issue when it comes to building meaningful relationship
i think your argument is that our generation (we are pretty much the same age) fits this lazy, irresponsible, materialistic, shallow criteria and you have objective proof for it. and this has led you to become indifferent and maybe resentful toward building relationship because you are so sure there is nothing you want from the people in our generation. (particularly women i assume?)
my argument is that there isn't anything special about our generation, whatever failures we've had should be re-examined because it is too easy and comfortable to blame it the environment instead of something we are doing wrong.
and yes, i do in fact argue that the 20 somethings are just as disciplined as the 20 somethings 50 years ago. Neither of us were around 50 years ago, but we would only hear about the feel good, hard working stories from the old times while media focuses on current negative things. I say that because my personal experience on the people around me tell me that, does that make either of us wrong? probably not.. it's just we grew up around different people and cultures. people not be as "by the book" or hold onto their parents' value as dearly as the older generation, but that's simply because we've had much better access to resources and information than they did. technology has made us more indecisive, but hopefully better critical thinkers and more open minded.
look at the article again, since the ancient greece, people have complained about arrogance and lack of motivation and lack of responsibilities among the young people. we aren't that special.
I don't have a bunch of close friends either. i have maybe 3 people i completely trust as my close friends. im not very social while my brother is the type that can pop into a club and would bump into friends every 3 minutes. He sees all the good in everybody while i'm more cautious and see a lot of negative things, that's why i see familiarity on this forum. but i'm not affected by bad, obnoxious, shallow people the way you are where you seem to become indifferent and accept that there is something uniquely wrong about OUR generation and it's kind of hopeless
when you are as opinionated as you are, you are pretty much destined to have a hard time finding a bunch of people that share your values. all i'm saying is don't be discouraged.
also what's wrong with stephen colbert lol? i just think it's a good quote regardless you like him or not!