Talking Shop: Why the Coming Generation May Fall Short Compared to the Current One
- by Christine Leitner
- 6 Min
Tomorrow's Kids Unveiled: Exploring the Lifestyles of Future Generations - Future Offspring: Examining Lifestyles of Tomorrow's Youth
When it comes to generations, no one has a bigger heart for all of them than Mr. Maas. With over a decade of research on Baby Boomers, Gen Z, and more under his belt, he's seen it all. But when asked which he adores the most, Mr. Maas remains diplomatic, discarding the neat generational model suggesting a shake-up every 15 years. Upon closer inspection, he maintains, the boundaries between age groups blur.
- Digitalization
- Education
- Artificial Intelligence
It's worth exploring the implications of generational shifts, especially when it comes to viability. But what does viability mean in this context, you ask? Simply put, it refers to the ability of each generation to thrive in their specific economic, social, and environmental milieu. That's exactly what Mr. Maas has been gearing up to discuss for years.
Now, to address the big question: will the next generation fare as well as the current one? While the answer is still shrouded in the fog of the future, a few trends give us some insight.
- Economic Challenges: Future generations might find themselves wading through a sea of economic challenges, including soaring costs of living, monumental student loans, and a volatile job market. With home ownership, financial stability, and job security on the line, the coming generation may struggle to measure up to their elders.
- Environmental Concerns: The looming specter of climate change poses a severe threat to the long-term viability of younger generations. Compounding this, pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction could create a domino effect impacting future generations' prospects.
- Social and Technological Changes: The dynamic nature of society and technology may present new obstacles for the coming generation. Social norms evolve quickly, and young people must adapt or risk falling behind. Moreover, leaps in technology, whether artificial intelligence or quantum computing, may emphasize the need for a WAIT (Write Acknowledged I Take) attitude and minimal technical fluency, siding the less tech-savvy members of the younger demographics.
Community policy should proactively address the economic challenges facing the next generation, ensuring provisions for affordable housing, manageable education debt, and a secure job market for their success. To equip the coming generation with the necessary skills to thrive in an ever-changing technological landscape, vocational training programs focused on modern technology should be integrated into community education offerings, providing equal opportunities for all, regardless of their initial technical aptitude.
