SAN DIEGO -- College students are now more narcissistic, or self- loving, than previous generations, according to study released Tuesday that was led by a San Diego State University professor.

Researchers examined the responses of about 16,000 college students from around the country who completed the Narcissistic Personality Inventory between 1982 and 2006, according to SDSU.

It asked for responses to statements like "If I ruled the world, it would be a better place," "I think I am a special person," "I can live my life any way I want to," and "I like to be the center of attention."

The study was led by Jean Twenge, a SDSU psychology professor and author of "Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled -- and More Miserable Than Ever Before."

"Far from being civically oriented, young people born after 1982 are the most narcissistic generation in recent history," Twenge said.

Also taking part in the study were researchers from the University of Michigan, the University of Georgia and the University of South Alabama.

Twenge said that highly narcissistic people -- or those who are characterized by excessive self admiration, vanity and a sense of entitlement -- lack empathy for others, are aggressive when insulted, seek public glory and favor self-enhancement over helping others.

The study found that narcissism is 30 percent more prevalent among today's college students than those in the so-called "Baby Boomer" or "X" generations, according to Twenge.

"Narcissism feels good and might be useful for meeting new people or auditioning on `American Idol,’" said W. Keith Campbell, a University of Georgia psychology professor and a study co-author. "Unfortunately, narcissism can also have very negative consequences for society, including the breakdown of close relationships with others."

Twenge said the prevalence of narcissism is fueled by current technology, such as the Web sites MySpace and YouTube.

The results of the study were presented today at a "Why Don't You Get Me? Bridging the Generations" workshop at the University of San Diego.