The average college student today is increasingly disengaged and apathetic, prioritizing social life and career prospects over genuine intellectual curiosity. They view college primarily as a stepping stone to a high-paying job, often choosing majors based on perceived earning potential rather than personal interest. This instrumental approach to education leads to a decline in critical thinking, a superficial understanding of complex topics, and a reluctance to engage in challenging discussions. This trend is further exacerbated by a culture of safetyism and emotional fragility, where students avoid potentially offensive or uncomfortable ideas, hindering intellectual exploration and the development of robust reasoning skills.
Teen drug use, including alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana, has dropped to its lowest levels in decades, defying expert predictions. The Monitoring the Future survey found significant declines across most substances, with vaping being a notable exception, though even there, daily nicotine vaping saw a decrease. Researchers are uncertain about the causes of this sustained decline, speculating about factors like increased awareness of risks, changing social norms, and the impact of the pandemic.
Hacker News users discussed potential reasons for the decline in teen drug use, questioning the methodology of the survey and suggesting alternative explanations. Some attributed it to increased awareness of long-term health risks, while others pointed to the rise of vaping and readily available legal marijuana as substitutes. Several commenters questioned the survey's accuracy, speculating that teens may be less honest due to changing social norms or fear of repercussions. The accessibility of online pornography was also raised as a potential contributing factor, occupying time and interest that might otherwise be spent on substance use. A few cautioned against premature celebration, emphasizing the need for continued focus on mental health and support for struggling teens. Finally, some comments highlighted the importance of nuanced interpretation, acknowledging potential regional and demographic variations in drug use trends.
Summary of Comments ( 346 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43522966
Hacker News users generally agreed with the premise of the linked article, which argues that the average college student is less academically prepared and engaged than in the past. Several commenters pointed to administrative bloat and the increasing focus on non-academic amenities as contributing factors to declining academic rigor. Some discussed the rising cost of college relative to its perceived value, and how that impacts student motivation. A few argued that the article overgeneralizes and that high-achieving students still exist, but are overshadowed by the growing number of students who are less focused on academics. The pressure on universities to increase enrollment, regardless of academic preparedness, was also cited as a driving force behind the described decline. Finally, several users questioned the validity of the author's data and methodology, highlighting the difficulty in defining and measuring "average" student performance across different institutions and time periods.
The Hacker News post titled "The average college student today," linking to a Hilarius Bookbinder Substack article, has generated a substantial discussion with a variety of viewpoints.
Several commenters discuss the perceived decline in academic rigor and the increasing focus on social justice issues in universities. One commenter argues that universities are now primarily focused on signaling social status and virtue, rather than imparting knowledge and critical thinking skills. They suggest this shift has led to a decline in the quality of education and a rise in administrative bloat. Another commenter expresses concern about the lack of intellectual curiosity among students, suggesting they are more interested in conforming to social norms than engaging in rigorous debate.
Others challenge the premise of the original article, arguing that it presents a biased and overly negative view of the modern college student. One commenter points out that the article relies on anecdotal evidence and lacks statistical support. They argue that generalizing about an entire generation based on limited observations is unfair and inaccurate. Another commenter suggests that every generation criticizes the one that follows, and that similar concerns about declining academic standards have been raised for decades. They argue that the article fails to acknowledge the positive contributions of today's college students.
Some commenters offer alternative explanations for the perceived changes in higher education. One suggests that the increasing cost of college has forced students to focus more on career prospects and less on intellectual pursuits. Another commenter argues that the rise of social media and the 24/7 news cycle have created a more distracting and fragmented learning environment. They suggest that universities need to adapt their teaching methods to address these challenges.
A few commenters share personal anecdotes about their experiences in college, both positive and negative. One commenter describes a positive experience with professors who encouraged critical thinking and intellectual exploration. Another commenter shares a negative experience with a university that seemed more focused on promoting a particular political ideology than on providing a well-rounded education.
The discussion also touches on the role of technology in education, with some commenters arguing that it has the potential to enhance learning and others expressing concern about its potential to create distractions and deepen inequalities.
Overall, the comments section reveals a complex and nuanced conversation about the state of higher education today. While some commenters express concern about declining academic standards and the increasing politicization of universities, others defend the current generation of students and offer alternative perspectives on the challenges facing higher education. The discussion highlights the need for further research and open dialogue to better understand the evolving landscape of higher education and ensure that it continues to serve the needs of students and society.