Arbeitsmarkt: Jugendforscher Albert: „Ich würde die Gen Z als ‚lost generation‘ bezeichnen“

Mathias Albert, a researcher of Gen Z youth, describes the current generation of young people as "a lost generation." He attributes their feelings of hopelessness and perspectivelessness to multiple upheavals they have experienced, including the pandemic, the Ukraine war, and an increasingly AI-driven job market. Albert warns that this generation may be facing a collective depression, as those with middle-class education and vocational training are the least affected by AI's impact.

Albert notes that many young people, especially those with less favorable starting conditions and lacking a high school diploma, are finding it more difficult than ever to find work. This trend is not limited to those at the bottom of the educational and social ladder but also affects the upper echelons of society, including those with academic degrees in fields like computer science and law.

Albert expresses concern that AI could make their educational credentials obsolete, leaving them uncertain about future career prospects and employment opportunities.

The author of the Shell-Jugendstudie (German Youth Study) has observed a growing sense of apathy, polarization, and perspectivelessness among young people. This shift could have significant implications for democracy, with the potential for political parties to exploit the anxieties of younger generations for their own gain. For instance, populist parties could capitalize on these fears to appeal to disenchanted voters, particularly younger men on the right and younger women on the left.

The rise of alternative narratives on social media may be contributing to the fragmentation of political discourse. Traditional parties struggle to effectively communicate a positive vision for the future, which is crucial for engaging younger voters. This lack of a compelling future narrative could lead to political radicalization and general disillusionment with the political process.

The author argues that this situation indicates a failure of political institutions to provide meaningful opportunities for young people and engage them in the political system.