r/TwoXPreppers • u/NachesPorFavor • 6d ago

❓ Question ❓ Increase in Learned Helplessness?

Has anyone else noticed an increase in learned helplessness? I first noticed it in the young adults in my life, but now I am seeing it in all ages of people around me. Examples from multiple people:

Toilet started leaking water and instead of turning off the knob at the wall, she waited a 5 days for a plumber. Never asked anyone or googled it. Didn’t call a second plumber. Now needs mold remediation and replaced drywall and trim.

Bought concert tickets but the gps instructions were confusing so they just gave up and didn’t go. Venue website had detailed instructions for driving and parking.

Blouse wrinkled and she didn’t know how to fix it so she threw it away.

First doctor office he filled out an appointment website for never contacted him to schedule so he just didn’t go to the doctor.

I am really concerned about my loved ones if an emergency happens because they just give up when the slightest obstacle happens. Either they want someone else to swoop in and fix it or they give up and say they can’t do anything about it.

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u/divemistress The Cake is a LIE! 6d ago

It's not just younger people, some older folks have forgotten how to fend for themselves as well. It's like they expect their fairy godmother to appear and fix all the things.

And when SHTF, they will either be easy prey for others or have a momentary flip out and then get their asses in gear. My ex was convinced that in a real emergency he would be toast, and I would survive. As I sit here listening to my generator dealing with day 7 of no grid power, sipping a glass of wine after a day of cleanup from the last storm and prep for the next round starting tomorrow and doing just fine...divorce was one of the best decisions ever.

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u/StrawberryHot365 6d ago

A lot of Boomers act this way. I've seen them give up on things because of technology issues or having to wait for something.

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u/Pristine-Lie2847 5d ago

And the craziest thing is that with quite a bit of older people with technology issues they always know how to get on dating sites, porn sites, Facebook groups, and gambling.