High Risk, High Reward

This week's Parent Resource is: "High Risk, High Reward"
 
It's hard to drive into Atlanta without seeing billboards advertising sports betting. Brands such as PrizePicks or DraftKings are taking over ad spaces everywhere (TV with influencers such as Druski and Sketch; billboards; heavy social media presence). This high-risk, high-reward mentality is part of Gen Z's core personality.
 
Yes, sports betting has become a huge cultural part of Gen Z as they turn 18. This high-risk, high-reward behavior follows Gen Z in many other spaces such as careers, relationships, and schoolwork. The temptation for adolescents to pursue careers as influencers or streamers has been increasing, as we see a decline in the desire for the "traditional" career. With so many influencers gaining popularity (usually due to the luck or favor of the ever-changing algorithm), even in conversations with our Grace Students, you'll hear them debate the ethics behind cheating on a test or assignment. It is no longer truly a debate of ethics, but rather an attempt to "survive."
 
These high-risk, high-reward actions are responses to what is becoming culturally normal. These careers as "entertainers" are now more tangible than ever; they are also continuously in the faces of adolescents. Adolescents are now aware of the intergenerational wealth gap (Gen Z is the first generation in American history to be financially worse off by age 30 in comparison to their parents before them). All of this effects their motivation to become more high risk in their decision making.
 
With the mentality of many adolescents feeling things are high risk, what is happening when the reward feels smaller than expected?
 
Continue the Conversation @ Home:

• If you could become an influencer, would you attempt that?
• How do you feel about cheating on academics? Is it okay if it is helping your grade survive?
•  Do finances stress you out? What do you feel about the future of your finances as you become an adult?