Though it’s not in one’s best interest, you can legally eat a Big Mac a day for the rest of your life. Notion is the agency to make choices without restriction, a privilege we have being citizens in the United States. As Generation Z, we are the upcoming executives and leaders responsible for making decisions in our nation. Uniquely, we also represent the largest consumer generation. Therefore it is crucial to study the depth of the decisions we make. In today’s rapidly changing world, the power of education, the influence of media, and the principles of behavioral economics are more interconnected than ever. These themes have been the foundation of my experiences at AYA. Join me as I reflect on my 4th and final week at the Annenberg Youth Academy.
We’re at the age where our voices aren’t muffled yet by societal expectations or constraints. We don’t need extensive resources to make an impact–just a voice. In AYA, I’ve developed as a better writer through contribution. Successful writing also equally involves rest, reflection, recharge, and recovery. Due to the multiple industrial revolutions, education is more accessible than ever. This development has provided resources of information and learning to students globally. Education aligns with the broader access to resources and opportunities that were once limited to a very few privelleged. Look at it this way– more people now have access to McDonald’s meat than the wealthiest individuals did to the same quality meant 100 years ago.
We’re currently in a recession for attention, where innovators and educators are seeking strategies for more attention and time. Platforms like TikTok that strategically compete for more of our time and focus. TikTok’s algorithm plays a significant role by curating content based on user data, influencing what people watch and engage with. In the EU, the TikTok algorithm is an amalgamation of everyone’s collective interests, rather than targeted to one directed user. In India, TikTok was entirely banned. After the band, many adapted within 3 days replacing it with another platform. Hypothetically, no TikTok could mean losing connection with friends, losing connection with news information. Wrong. It is argued that banning social media platforms could disrupt the economics of news consumption, as individuals may increasingly seek out information independently, reshaping traditional models of media distribution and consumption.
As we take on our professional endeavors, it is crucial to establish routine in our lives– which starts with understanding of consumer decision-making. Behavioral economics provides a framework for how one will tolerate variety and cost. Decisions are theoretically based on what’s legal, desirable, and beneficial. Throughout life, we make compromises built to serve multiple roles and reflecting the nuanced realities of decision-making. It is our responsibility to maximize our knowledge of routines, seeking ways to explore and develop ideas. For example, fitness routines are customized through trial and error. Though a friends routine might not be suited directly for you, asking people what you need to listen to will assist you in the curation of your own routine, specific to you. Food and nutrition-related analogies are relevant to consider as even disciplined individuals occasionally indulge in cheat days. Maintaining consistent routines across all facets of life is essential for maintaining productivity and personal well-being.
As someone who initially lacked clarity about my life’s purpose and academic path, Professor Gordon Stables’ approach to selecting a major resonates deeply with me. His method of finding the “perfect” field of study consists of testing and challenging my existing perspectives, exposing myself to viewpoints that may initially seem disagreeable. The principles of behavioral economics, delve into the reasons behind human thought and behavior. College is the process of receiving critique as a means to improve and grow. Understanding the concept of diminishing marginal return, especially in relation to grades, underscores the importance of prioritizing feedback from professors for more efficient learning and improvements. Ultimately, I learned, that the college experience is a journey of self-discovery, where four years are dedicated to not just to acquiring knowledge, but also to mastering the art of learning itself.
Thats the light I like to look at AYA through– a 4-week experience where I learned how to learn. Despite being a relatively short period in my life, it was by far the most transformative academic and professional experience I’ve had. Before AYA, writing and storytelling were skills I struggled with, but the program taught me how to articulate my thoughts and write with passion and confidence. Unlike my experience in standard high school education, AYA offered a different dynamic and immersive learning environment that encouraged exploration and critical thinking. It’s fascinating how empowering one’s voice makes the writing just come naturally. The insights and skills I gained at AYA have enriched every aspect of my ability to absorb information. AYA has made me a more empathetic and aware individual, mindful of the power of human connection in driving meaningful change. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and the forever imprint it’s left on me, physically and spiritually. The routines and behavioral choices we make, guided by education and empathy, have the power to shape our lives and the world around us. As I open myself to the world around me, I realize the serendipity of the path that me to AYA @ USC, marking the beginning of an exciting and unpredictable adventure ahead.
By Milena Tarverdyan
Communicating Change 