Young People Want a New American Dream

Source: Marcus Istrfry / Unsplash

In a joint address to Congress earlier this month, President Donald Trump declared that “The American Dream is surging – bigger and better than ever before.” But for many young people observing climate disasters, mass layoffs, houses up in flames (like my own in the Pacific Palisades), and the possibility of a looming recession, that dream doesn’t quite feel like a reality.

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; and 74% said it’s harder for their generation to achieve happiness compared to previous generations. Finances were reported as the most significant barrier.

“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.”

With approximately 1 in 3 adolescents living in families at less than twice the federal poverty line, and over half of Gen Zers saying they are extremely worried about not having enough money and feel anxious or on-edge nearly every day, young people are sorely familiar with struggles at the intersection of finances and mental health. And these experiences are undoubtedly shaping their politics, entertainment preferences, and beliefs and aspirations.

Young people no longer care about traditional aspects of the American Dream, like homeownership, marriage, and having kids, as they are now feared as too expensive, risky and unrealistic by Gen Z. When asked how they would redefine the American Dream, good mental and physical health emerged as the top priority, followed closely by financial security and independence.

While the real world may feel overwhelming, the stories we circulate as models and meaning makers may be able to help.

Entertainment has always played a profound role in how we talk about the American Dream, think about culture, and understand our place in the world around us. Media’s impact on young people’s minds is even more profound — with more than half of young people saying social media in particular has the biggest influence on how they view the American Dream. It’s time for storytellers and content creators to more accurately depict the lived reality so many face today — side hustles, burnout, evictions, debt, and quiet quitting galore — and help us imagine a better framework for the better world so many young people want to see, where it’s possible to be both fiscally responsible and mentally and physically healthy.

More than half (54%) of young people said they want more realistic portrayals of finances in TV shows and movies, such as characters navigating money-related challenges, rather than the glamorized, effortless lifestyles often depicted. 37% said they think current TV shows and movies either don’t or only a little bit realistically depict what it takes to be successful and happy in today’s world, pointing to shows like Modern Family and Young Sheldon as examples of media promoting unrealistic stereotypes of the American Dream.

We absolutely need to change systems and create policies that make life more affordable and fair, but we also need stories that can help us see more pathways to success and happiness than the outdated traditional narratives that young people are no longer buying. Young people want a new American dream. Between DC and Hollywood, hopefully someone will be able to give it to them.