The Impact of Subjective Values on Well-Being

The rise of depression and anxiety among young people is often linked to a cultural shift towards subjective values, where individuals feel that moral guidance is self-determined and lacks any objective basis. This shift has cultivated a sense of hopelessness, as many young people adopt the view that they alone define what is good or true, leading to a lack of shared moral purpose. The discussion highlights the paradox that, as people experience the emptiness of this worldview, there may be a growing realization that it is inadequate, suggesting a potential pathway to reclaim values that bind society together. Ultimately, recognizing this disconnect could lead to a renewed search for common goods that foster deeper connections and communal support.