Rejection Culture

Rejection has become a defining feature of young adulthood. Gen Z is facing it across dating apps, job hunts, and even algorithm-driven platforms that often amplify bias. Psychologists say rejection activates the same brain regions as physical pain, releasing cortisol and triggering what one professor called a “panic button” in the brain. “You beco... See more

Things are even more dire in China, where youth unemployment sits at 14.5% and Gen Z job-seekers are paying 30 to 50 yuan a day ($4–$7) to sit in faux offices run by “Pretend to Work Company.” These spaces offer computers, snacks, and community for jobless graduates trying to apply for roles or simply pass the time. The trend sits alongside the “ra... See more

The cost of job hunting is soaring, with searches now averaging 24 weeks — nearly a month longer than last year. Desperate for an edge, candidates are spending thousands of dollars on coaching, AI tools, and networking. A 28-year-old former audio technician, for example, has spent over $19,000 on LinkedIn Premium, AI résumé tools, certifications, a... See more

Rejection is becoming part of Gen Z’s narrative. Digital culture has made young people’s access to new possibilities infinite; with a few clicks or swipes they can throw their hat in the ring for nearly any internship, job, romance, and beyond. At the same time, constant rejection is a baked-in feature of digital. As Business Insider recently put i... See more