Jeanna Smialek, a reporter covering the Federal Reserve and the U.S. economy for The New York Times, discusses the perplexing disconnect between Americans feeling dissatisfied despite a thriving economy. Topics include rising grocery costs, financial struggles, impact of rapid price increases, challenges faced by young adults, influence of social media on perceptions of the economy, and the emotional power of silent depression videos.
Rising inflation has led to a higher cost of living, contributing to negative sentiment among Americans despite positive economic indicators like low unemployment and wage growth.
Increased housing prices, especially for younger generations, have made home ownership more difficult, hindering individuals' ability to achieve the traditional markers of the American dream.
Deep dives
Impact of Inflation on Consumer Sentiment
Despite improvements in the American economy, many Americans feel economically strained due to rising inflation impacting their daily lives. Consumer prices have increased by about 20% since late 2019, resulting in sticker shock for everyday items such as groceries and gas. This higher cost of living has contributed to a negative sentiment among Americans, even as traditional economic indicators like low unemployment and wage growth appear positive.
Housing Affordability Concerns
Another factor contributing to the negative perception of the economy is the significant increase in housing prices. Home prices have risen by 47% nationally since late 2019, making home ownership more difficult, particularly for younger generations. The higher mortgage rates and increased expenses associated with renting have deepened the financial burden for individuals, hindering their ability to achieve the traditional markers of the American dream.
Impact of Social Media and Negative Economic Narratives
Social media plays a significant role in shaping people's perception of the economy. Negative content and discussions revolving around the affordability crisis, particularly regarding housing, cars, and college expenses, can amplify feelings of economic discontent. The prominence of such content on social media platforms, combined with its emotional impact, can influence individuals' views and contribute to the overall negative sentiment regarding the economy.
The American economy, by many measures, is doing better than it has done in years. But for many Americans, that is not how it feels. Their feelings point to an enduring mystery: Why do Americans feel so bad when the economy is so good?
Jeanna Smialek, who covers the Federal Reserve and the U.S. economy for The Times, discusses a new way to understand the disconnect.
Guest: Jeanna Smialek, a reporter covering the Federal Reserve and the U.S. economy for The New York Times.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode