This is an opinion editorial by Trey Walsh, senior director of youth programs at the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board in Somerville, Massachusetts.
Our world has seen dramatic change and change in recent years: a global pandemic, war, political instability, and a growing sense of pessimism toward governments, the future health of our planet, and our global financial system. And there is one group, particularly in the Western world and the United States, that has become increasingly dissatisfied and, in some cases, hopeless above the rest: Gen Z.
But I think there’s one big reason for hope that this generation hasn’t fully realized yet: Bitcoin.
there are countless studies and articles discussing Generation Z and the mental health crises facing this generation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, inequality, politics, socioeconomic and labor market conditions and more. These factors have understandably affected this generation, and there continues to be a general narrative of hopelessness by environmental groups who, in many cases, have placed the burden of future climate catastrophe on this younger generation now facing “climate anxiety”, politicians labeling each election as a fight for our democracy/nation. Earlier generations were offered more reasons for optimism, including relative affordability of the middle-class American dream — that encourage my generation of millennials to be what we wanted to be and see innovation and creativity at all times. While my generation has also seen the crushing reality of major financial crises, student debt, and some similar anxieties that Gen Z faces, we still have the benefit of growing up in an age of limitless possibilities thanks to the advent of the internet. . that has best prepared us for the state of the world today.
I have seen firsthand the effects of these problems on the younger generation. In my role as the senior director of youth programs for a Somerville, Massachusetts-based nonprofit that works with high school partners in our region, it is clear to me that our youth face bleak prospects as they try to finish school. during COVID-19 and the dire state of virtual learning at the time, to trying to prepare for the future and navigate work, college and mental health challenges, all while many of these students are also working to help with the basic needs of their own families.
Teachers are overworked and underpaid, and students lack the support they need to navigate these issues. Families are burdened by rising inflation, a lack of savings, and college has yet to (if ever) become more affordable. Hope, if it is ever found, has not been the dominant narrative in recent years. However, there is a lot to look forward to with Bitcoin.
Bitcoin, like the internet, increases its use cases and possibilities every year. Given that Satoshi Nakamoto White Paper Launched on October 31, 2008 in the wake of a major financial crisis, more and more hope has been found in the possibilities and use cases of Bitcoin.
Bitcoin is hope for the environment
A popular narrative from the mainstream media, politicians (particularly the Democratic Party, of which I am a registered voter), and large environmental groups is that Bitcoin is bad for the environment. End of discussion.
Unfortunately, many in Generation Z have been presented with this as fact, while the reality is that the possibilities of Bitcoin, particularly through mining and positive effects it can have on our environment, they are quite unlimited and are just being realized. Bitcoin incentivizes more construction from renewable energy and can offset carbon emissions, stabilize power grids, bring power to remote destinations around the world through financial incentives, and much more. Young people dealing with climate anxiety must be taught the benefits of Bitcoin on our environment and see all the great potential in tackling climate change while spreading prosperity and stability to those most in need.
Bitcoin is the hope of a more socially just economic system
Generation Z is very concerned about injustice, inequality and corporate greed and is increasingly skeptical of “capitalism”. Bitcoin offers equal access: a transparent system that cannot be manipulated or controlled. We are doing this younger generation a disservice by not sharing with them the progressive ideas inherent in Bitcoin that promote financial freedom and greater equality. Should we let the banks and the rich be early adopters of Bitcoin, or should we frame Bitcoin as something that incentivizes Gen Z to have this freedom technology?
Bitcoin is hope for democracy
Gen Z is increasingly skeptical of politicians and our political process in the United States. With Bitcoin, and on a bitcoin standard, fiat incentives in politics are more severely limited.
Regardless of the intent, Bitcoin is a “don’t trust, verify” based system, which means more accountability in our policy and less manipulation and trust needed. Now, this by no means completely fixes politics or guarantees a perfect utopian democracy, but it can give hope to this generation that wants their voices heard, and wants the freedom and agency to control their narrative and see a better world. I think this is a much bigger selling point than what the world economic forum will offer.
This hope list through Bitcoin is just the beginning. Generation Z deserves the chance to be presented with the stories of hope in Bitcoin, instead of being hit with the future hell that has taken an increasingly devastating toll on this generation. As Generation Z fights for a better future, Bitcoin must play a central role in this fight if the results they hope to achieve are to be realized.
This is a guest post by Trey Walsh. The opinions expressed are entirely his own and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc, Bitcoin Magazine or his employer.
