Why Do 20-Year-Olds Still Act Like Teenagers?
The Evolution of Adulthood in America
America once held the belief that individuals were not fully considered adults until they turned 21, a time marked by the loss of key rights such as the ability to vote, marry, and legally consume alcohol. However, the current social landscape has shifted significantly. Today, young adults can vote and marry at the age of 18 without parental consent, reflecting a more mature society. Despite these legal changes, many 20-year-olds still exhibit behavior reminiscent of teenagers. This raises the question: does this imply that society should reconsider the age at which individuals are considered full adults?
How Society Shapes Adolescent Maturity
The experience of becoming an adult, far from being the sudden transformation implied by turning 20, is a gradual process influenced by numerous societal factors. Today's teenagers face a myriad of challenges that were not as prevalent in previous generations. They are provided with responsibilities without the necessary authority, often lied to about sensitive topics like sex and reproduction, and given inadequate resources to handle complex social situations. This creates a context where many young adults struggle to develop mature behaviors and characteristics.
Expanding the Teenage Years
The traditional 18-25 age range for young adulthood no longer fully captures the experiences and behaviors of today's youth. The average 20-year-old often displays traits more in line with someone in their mid-teens. Reasons for this include the prolonged access to parental support, the digital age's impact on socialization, and economic and societal pressures that make early adulthood a more prolonged period.
Challenges in Transitioning to Adulthood
Several factors contribute to the delayed maturity of young adults in the 21st century. These include the high costs of education, the impact of the pandemic on social and academic life, and the volatile and unaffordable housing markets. Young adults frequently continue to live with family or roommates due to these issues, exacerbating their underdeveloped social skills and independence. Additionally, the highest inflation rate in 40 years increases the living costs for young adults, who often already live paycheck to paycheck without substantial savings or insurance coverage.
Reasons for Keeping Teen Characteristics
Young adults often retain youthful traits as a coping mechanism. Just as a tree maintains its roots, young adults keep their childlike tendencies as a form of resilience in the face of significant life challenges. This can include emotional immaturity, exploration of identity, and a lack of definitive life goals. These factors contribute to a sense of extended adolescence and delay the transition to full adulthood.
Understanding the delayed maturation of young adults can help in providing better guidance, resources, and societal expectations. It's crucial to recognize that the journey from teenager to adult is complex and lengthened rather than abruptly changed with a single year's milestone.