Lost Debate cover image

Lost Debate

How to Motivate Young People

Oct 17, 2024
Ravi welcomes Dr. David Yeager, an experimental developmental psychologist at the University of Texas at Austin and author of "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People." They delve into how motivations tied to status and identity shape adolescent behavior. Dr. Yeager shares insights on bridging communication gaps between adults and youth, the impact of clever advertising on teen choices, and the significance of understanding young identities in fostering genuine motivation. It’s a fascinating exploration of connecting with the next generation!
46:12

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Effective feedback, particularly through the 'wise feedback' method, can significantly enhance communication and motivation in young people.
  • Understanding that young people's motivations often center around social validation allows adults to reshape their guidance strategies accordingly.

Deep dives

Understanding Generation Disengagement

Many adults express frustration over their perceived inability to connect with young people, whether as parents, educators, or employers. This disconnect stems from common communication pitfalls, where critical feedback is often misinterpreted by the younger generation as personal attacks or negative evaluations. Adults tend to default to approaches that include blame or shame, which leads to miscommunication and further disengagement. The key to resolving this issue lies in recognizing that young people often possess their own insecurities and may misinterpret adult intentions unless clearly articulated.

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