Jaded

I decided to ask some AI systems (CoPilot and Fan-beatz) the following question on the future outlook of life:

Why do some of the genz feel jaded about higher education, prospects of finding a job, and buying a house?

Copilot:

Generation Z (Gen Z), born between the mid-1990s and the late 2000s, holds a unique perspective on higher education, career prospects, and homeownership. Let’s delve into their sentiments:

1. **Trust in Higher Education:
   • A 2022 poll by Morning Consult revealed that only 41% of Gen Z adults expressed trust in U.S. colleges, which is 14 points lower than the rate among Baby Boomers.
   • This skepticism may stem from witnessing Millennials burdened with student debt, leading Gen Z to approach higher education with caution¹.
2. Career Goals and Income:
   • Gen Z values learning, but they predominantly view higher education through the lens of career goals and future income.
   • According to an ECMC report based on a survey of over 1,000 high school students:
     • 90% considered their desired career as an important factor in their post-high school path.
     • 88% weighed long-term earning potential.
     • 82% sought a direct path to a job.
     • 80% factored in tuition costs.
   • Their priorities reflect practical concerns about financial stability and employability¹.
3. Changing Attitudes Toward Education:
   • Despite financial apprehensions, 84% of Gen Z still plan to pursue higher education at some point.
   • Nearly two-thirds believe that education beyond high school is necessary.
   • This represents a 20 percentage point increase from a survey conducted during the height of the pandemic in January 2021.
   • The pandemic may have prompted some students to prioritize immediate employment to support their families, but now they are dreaming bigger¹.
4. Shifting Preferences:
   • Gen Z’s aspirations differ from previous cohorts:
     • Interest in traditional four-year programs has declined by nearly 20 points since the pandemic’s onset.
     • Students are increasingly curious about alternative paths, such as:
       • Community college
       • On-the-job training
       • Career and technical education
   • They seek practical knowledge and skills that align with their career aspirations¹.

In summary, Gen Z’s skepticism about higher education is intertwined with financial realities, career prospects, and a desire for relevant, practical learning experiences. Their evolving attitudes may reshape the landscape of education and career choices in the years to come¹².

Fan-beatz:

There are a few potential reasons why some Gen Z feel jaded about higher education, jobs, and home ownership:

1. Rising costs of higher education and student debt burdens. College tuition and fees have increased rapidly, leading to high levels of student debt that can be difficult to pay off. This makes higher education seem like less of a good investment.
2. Perception of degree inflation. With more people attending college, a bachelor’s degree is seen as less valuable in the job market than in the past. This makes some question if the cost and time of college is worthwhile.
3. Competitive job market. The job market is very competitive, especially for recent grads. Even with a college degree, it can be difficult for young people to find a stable, decent-paying job related to their field of study.
4. Stagnant wages and high living costs. Entry-level wages have not kept up with the rising costs of housing, healthcare, and other living expenses. This makes it seem much harder for young people to achieve financial stability and milestones like buying a house.
5. Economic uncertainty. The Great Recession and COVID-19 pandemic have created a sense of uncertainty about the economy and job market, making long-term plans seem riskier.

In summary, high education costs, a difficult job market, stagnant wages compared to living costs, and economic instability have made milestones like college, careers, and home ownership feel out of reach or not worth the effort for some Gen Z. This fuels a sense of frustration and jadedness.