Millennials are losing their cool | Business Insider India

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the phenomenon of millennials grappling with the anxiety and fear of aging, and how corporations are capitalizing on this through various marketing tactics. It explores how social media and the internet have exacerbated this generational divide, as well as the psychological and financial implications of millennials' attempts to maintain a youthful appearance and identity.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Millennials' Struggle with Aging

1. What are some of the key factors that make millennials' experience of aging different from previous generations?

• Social media and the internet have made it harder for millennials to lose touch with youth culture, as they are constantly exposed to the latest trends and styles
• Millennials were defined by their youth in the popular narrative, and it feels like they are struggling to shed this image as they get older
• The economic recession that millennials graduated into has delayed many of the traditional life milestones, leading to a sense of "arrested development"

2. How are companies capitalizing on millennials' fears about aging?

• The beauty and anti-aging industries make billions by convincing millennials they can stay young forever through products and treatments
• Many consumer trends and fads are driven by the desire to appear youthful and stay relevant, leading millennials to spend money on the latest fashions and cultural products

3. What are some psychological and emotional challenges that millennials face as they age?

• Aging can be anxiety-inducing as it is a reminder of mortality and the body's decay
• There are deep-seated societal stereotypes and stigmas around aging that make it difficult for millennials to accept the process
• Millennials feel pressure to keep up with younger generations and not be seen as "out of touch" or irrelevant

[02] Tipping Practices for Ride-Hailing Drivers

1. What are some of the key factors that influence whether passengers tip their ride-hailing drivers?

• The quality of service provided by the driver, including factors like professionalism, greeting passengers, and assisting with luggage
• The rising costs of ride-hailing services, which can make passengers less inclined to leave an additional tip
• Differences in tipping culture and expectations between food delivery and ride-hailing services

2. How do the tipping practices of ride-hailing passengers compare to other service industries?

• Ride-hailing tipping frequency and average tip size are lower compared to industries like food delivery, where tipping is more culturally ingrained
• Some passengers view ride-hailing as more of a transactional service rather than one that warrants tipping, unlike the historical tipping expectations for services like taxis

3. What is the impact of tipping (or lack thereof) on ride-hailing drivers' incomes?

• Tips can be an important part of ride-hailing drivers' incomes, especially for those who drive full-time and rely on the earnings
• Drivers have reported that it has become harder to make a living in recent years as tipping has declined, leading some to seek alternative employment

[03] Russia's Acquisition of Western Technology

1. How are Russian arms manufacturers obtaining Western-made high-precision tools despite sanctions?

• They are sourcing these tools from second-hand markets in countries that still trade with Russia, such as China, South Korea, and Turkey
• Obscure firms in these countries act as brokers, facilitating the shipment of the tools to Russian defense industry contractors and subsidiaries of foreign machine tool firms

2. What is the significance of Russia's ability to acquire these Western-made tools?

• Without access to these tools, Russian domestic manufacturers would be unlikely to meet the industry's requirements in the short-to-medium term
• The availability of these second-hand tools helps sustain Russia's military capabilities and war economy despite the West's efforts to cut off access to essential technology

3. How are Western countries attempting to further restrict Russia's access to technology?

• The US has expanded its ability to pursue secondary sanctions against financial institutions that facilitate trade with Russia
• The goal is to further restrain Russia's economy and limit its access to the technology and equipment needed to sustain its military operations in Ukraine