Why EVERYONE In Gen Z Feels Behind (It's Not Just You)

Summary

This video addresses the stark differences between the experiences of 30-year-olds today versus those in the 1960s, highlighting how the traditional milestones of marriage and homeownership have become increasingly unattainable. The speaker critiques societal and systemic changes that have led to financial struggles, especially among younger generations. Factors like rising housing costs, student debt, cultural divides, and the rise of dating apps are explored, with the message that these challenges are not failures but results of a rigged system. Ultimately, the speaker urges viewers to define success on their own terms, embracing freedom and creativity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The number of 30-year-olds in America who are both married and own a home has drastically fallen from 50% in the 1960s to just 10% in 2025.
• 😀 The traditional markers of adulthood—marriage and homeownership—are increasingly out of reach for today's generation, leading to feelings of inadequacy and being 'left behind'.
• 😀 People in their 20s and early 30s often struggle with the economic realities of student loans, high rent, and low wages, making it harder to achieve traditional life milestones.
• 😀 The promise of a stable job after college has been oversold, with a tougher job market and challenges like outsourcing and AI disrupting opportunities.
• 😀 Cultural divides, especially between men and women, contribute to fewer marriages, with some women feeling they don't need men and some men retreating into resentment or online communities.
• 😀 Dating apps, while meant to foster connection, often create superficial and materialistic interactions, exacerbating the difficulty of forming meaningful relationships.
• 😀 There is a growing sense of fear and paranoia surrounding marriage, partly due to social media showcasing divorce and heartbreak stories that discourage commitment.
• 😀 The high cost of living, student loans, and mounting debt make it nearly impossible for many to save for homeownership, especially when big corporations are buying up homes and driving prices higher.
• 😀 The system disproportionately benefits wealthy corporations and financial institutions, making it harder for average people to achieve financial stability or own property.
• 😀 Despite these challenges, individuals still have the power to create their own path, focusing on freedom, creativity, and mobility, rather than adhering to societal expectations of marriage and homeownership.

Q & A

What does the statistic about 30-year-olds in America show?

In the 1960s, about 50% of 30-year-olds in America were married and owned homes. By 2025, that number has dropped to around 10%, illustrating a significant shift in societal norms and expectations for adulthood.

Why is the shift in marriage and homeownership concerning for today's generation?

The decline in marriage and homeownership is linked to feelings of falling behind and not meeting societal expectations. It reflects a broader issue where the promised lifestyle no longer feels attainable due to rising costs and economic changes.

What is the common response when discussing the struggles of today's generation?

The common response is often 'it's your fault, you're lazy, take responsibility.' This response tends to gaslight young people, ignoring the systemic changes and challenges they face.

How have the societal expectations around adulthood changed over time?

In previous generations, the typical path was to graduate, get a job, marry, buy a house, and start a family by 30. For today's generation, this path is harder to follow due to rising costs, student debt, and economic instability.

What factors contribute to the difficulty of marriage in today's world?

The growing cultural divide between men and women, the rise of dating apps that prioritize superficial traits, societal fears of divorce, and financial struggles all contribute to fewer people getting married.

How have dating apps affected the dating culture?

Dating apps have made relationships feel superficial, focusing on surface-level traits rather than meaningful connections. They also contribute to a skewed power dynamic, where only a small percentage of men receive the majority of attention, while others struggle.

What role does money play in the delay of marriage and homeownership?

Financial struggles, such as student debt, low wages, and high living costs, make it difficult for individuals to afford a wedding or a home. Financial instability undermines the foundation for both marriage and homeownership.

How have housing prices and wages evolved since the 1960s?

In the 1960s, the average house cost about three times the average annual salary. Today, housing prices have skyrocketed, especially in big cities, while wages have largely remained stagnant, making homeownership unattainable for many.

What is the impact of student debt on homeownership?

Student debt creates a significant financial burden, making it difficult for young people to save for a down payment on a house. The cost of living, including rent and other expenses, leaves little room for saving.

How has Wall Street influenced the housing market?

Large corporations like BlackRock and Blackstone are purchasing large numbers of homes, both luxury and starter homes, to rent out. This creates a market where young people can't buy homes but are instead forced into lifelong rental agreements.

What is the connection between marriage and homeownership?

Marriage and homeownership are often interconnected. Without financial stability, marriage is delayed, and without a stable relationship or home, owning a house becomes even more difficult. The lack of one makes the others harder to achieve.

What is the root cause of the struggles faced by today's generation?

The struggles are primarily caused by systemic changes in the economy, such as inflation, rising housing costs, and stagnant wages. The betrayal by those in power—politicians, bankers, and tech billionaires—has left younger generations with fewer opportunities.

Is there hope for fixing these issues on a large scale?

The script suggests that large-scale political solutions are unlikely because those in power are more focused on preserving their wealth. However, individuals can still find hope by redefining success on their own terms and focusing on personal freedom and creative pursuits.