Generation Why Bother by: Adriana Lugo

Young Americans have become risk-averse and sedentary and the timing is terrible. With America at a 8.3 percent unemployment rate, Americans are less inclined to pack up and move to a state with a better economic situation. The Census Bureau Data claims that the likelihood of a 20 year old moving to another state has dropped over 40% since the 1980s. According to the Pew Research Center, the amount of young adults living at home has doubled between 1980 and 2008, before the Great Recession. Today's generation is literally going nowhere. The New York times says, "This is the Occupy movement we should be worried about." The most astounding behavioral change among young adults has been that an increasing amount of teenagers are not even bothering to get their drivers license. In the 1980's, 80% of 18 year old would walk around showing off their new drivers licenses, according to a study done by researchers at the University of Michigan's Transportation Institute. By 2008, that number dropped to 65%. Some may blame the high cost of gasoline or cars, but Comerica Bank's Automobile Affordability Index shows that it takes fewer weeks or work to buy a car today than in the 1980s. In a study made my Michael Sivak, found that when young adults spent time on the internet, they delay getting their licenses. "More time on Facebook probably means less time on the road," he said. That makes a less vibrant economy. The Great Recession and weak economy makes trend toward risk aversion worse. In the mid 1970s, every high school wanted a drivers license and freedom. It's time to encourage forward movement, not slouching.


By: Adriana Lugo


http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/11/opinion/sunday/the-go-nowhere-generation.html?src=me&ref=general