Inflation is putting the pinch on every American. Rent, food, cars, and medical care costs are rising faster than salaries.
But beyond just dealing with the economic reality, it is causing real frustration and depression, especially for people just entering the workforce.
Now one TikTok video that just went viral perfectly describes the angst people are feeling about the economy of today.
Angry economic rant goes viral on TikTok
Whether you’re a Boomer, Gen Xer, Millennial, or Gen Zer, there’s a good chance that you are feeling at least some of the harsh conditions of a struggling economy.
However, many members of the younger generations say that Boomers and Gen Xers have it much easier than they do when it comes to things like finding a well-paying job and buying a home.
One TikTok user named nicsmnrs recently posted an angry rant talking about the high cost of living that went viral on the platform.
Since the video was uploaded, it’s been viewed at least 5 million times and garnered over 40,000 comments.
The TikToker shouts into the camera, “I make over three times the federal minimum wage and I cannot afford to live. It is embarrassing to come out and say that it is a struggle to survive right now but I know so many people are struggling.”
He concludes his video by adding, “The American Dream is dead.”
Several people chimed in to express their support and agreement, and the TikToker responded to one comment by saying, “It’s a topic that I’m unhealthily passionate about.”
The social media platform user’s rant is just one example of the palpable anger and despair that many young people feel today.
According to a 2022 McKinsey study, members of Gen Z are reporting higher rates of anxiety, depression, and distress than any other age group.
The study also found that Gen Z was the least likely generation to get medical assistance for those conditions because the cost of behavioral healthcare is just too high.
The report added, “Many Gen Zers also indicated their first step in managing behavioral-health challenges was going to TikTok or Reddit for advice.”
So many reasons to be angry
Most members of Gen Z went through their formative years during the pandemic lockdowns, and older members are now facing the fact that they may never get to experience homeownership.
Meanwhile, inflation is becoming more difficult to handle.
A recent Bloomberg analysis based on data from the UK found that people between the ages of 16 to 24 feel that inflation expectations have risen more than any other age group.
But it’s not just Gen Z, as Millennials are running up massive amounts of debt — some say they haven’t seen any decent job prospects since graduating college.
Some Millennials decided to enroll in graduate school, causing them to take on even more debt that has contributed to the growing sense of anger and despair many people feel about the current state of America’s economy.
Informed American will keep you up-to-date on any developments to this ongoing story.
