[twoheadedboy]

Can't help but think this is a consequence of social media. People have dramatically unrealistic expectations on what life should be like.

[kitsunesoba]

That may be a component, but I think another thing that contributes is that unlike Gen X which still somewhat bought into the "American dream", many Millennials and Gen Z watched their parents struggle and ultimately burn out growing up and decided they don't want their lives to be like that. Why constantly stress and sacrifice enjoying today for the sake of an almost entirely fictional tomorrow?

[dwmbt]

interesting hypothesis, but my subjective rebuttal is that nearly all of my friends would readily admit that they'd be perfectly content with building a life similar to that of their parents. most kids just don't think it's possible.

i asked in the parent comment if this is a normal thing? my parents were immigrants, so they don't have the experience of growing up here. it's always been an uphill battle. perhaps i've inherited that mentality but i wonder if americans of previous generations were also 23 and cynical, never thinking it possible to afford building a comfortable life?

[hellotomyrars]

I think the FOMO and enhanced hyper consumerism it enables contributes, but the actual macroeconomic factors around wage growth, etc. are the real problem.

[mrguyorama]

Ah yes, dramatically unrealistic, like functioning public transport, or affordable healthcare, or OWNING A PLACE TO LIVE