A report from UCLA indicates that while 86% of young people still aspire to achieve the American Dream, a staggering 74% believe it's increasingly difficult for their generation compared to previous ones. Financial instability has emerged as the primary concern, surpassing traditional aspirations such as homeownership. Furthermore, mental and physical health are now pivotal in young people's vision of success. Many young individuals feel pressured by media portrayals of success, expressing a desire for more realistic financial representations in storytelling, which reflects their changing priorities amid economic and social challenges.
"The American dream sometimes just feels like a myth," shared one 17-year old Latina who participated in the survey. "You see people struggling, working their butts off, and still barely getting by."
In a report we released earlier this year at the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA, we found that while 86% of young people said they still want to achieve the American dream in some capacity, more than half said it would be difficult for them to achieve it personally.
Financial security has overtaken traditional milestones like homeownership as Gen Z's primary concern, reflecting their redefined vision of the American Dream.
Media influences how youth see success, and 54% want more realistic financial portrayals in stories. This indicates a shifting narrative in what young people perceive as attainable.
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