Gen Z's work aversion linked to rising social isolation, columnist argues

One outlet economics columnist Tiana Lowe Doescher argued that the primary challenge facing young Americans is a voluntary withdrawal from work, education and social engagement, rather than a shortage of jobs. On Newmax’s The Right Squad, she observed that many in the 16-24 age bracket are avoiding dates, friendships and sports leagues. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that male participation in the workforce for that age group has fallen to 56.1%, a decline of nearly 13 points since 2000, while the American one outlet Use Survey indicates that about 10% of adults 23-29 have no daily face-to-face contact, up from 3% in 2019.

Lowe Doescher pointed to Mississippi’s rapid improvement in fourth-grade reading and math rankings between 2013 and 2024 as proof that raising expectations can produce better outcomes. She concluded that the disengagement is a choice rather than a structural problem.