The David McWilliams Podcast Vibecession, AI Mania & The New Casino Economy with Kyla Scanlon
21 snips
Nov 13, 2025 
Kyla Scanlon, an Irish author and economics communicator, dives into the intersection of money and mood. She introduces her concept of 'vibecession,' where emotions can sway consumer behavior more than hard data. Discussing the U.S. as a 'casino economy,' she highlights the dominance of unprofitable companies and risky market behaviors. Kyla also critiques how social media shapes youth identity and economic choices, connecting these trends to broader electoral impacts and affordability issues affecting her generation.
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Vibecession Explains Sentiment Gaps
- People’s feelings about the economy often diverge from economic data and drive behavior.
- Kyla Scanlon calls this emotional gap a “vibecession” and centers sentiment as economic fuel.
Attention Shapes Identity And The Economy
- Attention is the most valuable commodity and social platforms monetize it through engagement hacks.
- Scanlon links attention-driven identity formation to broader economic outcomes for young people.
AI-Fueled Market Masks Fragility
- US markets are heavily weighted toward AI and unprofitable tech firms, disconnecting prices from fundamentals.
- Scanlon argues that this market strength masks broader policy and economic fragility.
