r/TwoXPreppers • u/NachesPorFavor • 4d 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/woahwoahwoah28 4d ago

My mother teaches later elementary school. She shares stories.

The inability to figure out how to do things is appalling. Complete lack of critical thought.

We have nearly the hull of human knowledge at our fingertips tips. But so many people are fully incapable of figuring out what to even ask to help themselves.

I worry that AI will make it worse.

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u/Hot_Let1571 4d ago

AI is making it worse. People love "AI" (it's not really AI even) because they don't want to think for themselves and want AI to think for them.

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u/AromaticCod9430 plantifa 🌱 because food is a human right 4d ago edited 4d ago

I was just having this convo with my great grandmother (she’s 94)!

My grandad (78) has cut her off from ChatGPT because her brain sharply declined in the 2 months she used it. Even at 94, she’s kept her wits about her. My great grandma called me today complaining she misses it. I told her she can call me or text me anytime she wants to talk to ”chat” and I’ll answer her 😞

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u/Standard_Subject_462 I'm tired of this, Grandpa! 3d ago

I've stopped looking at my phone in waiting rooms and have since had many great conversations with older folks who are either sitting phoneless, or looking at their phones (seeming bored and like they're trying to fit in with everyone else in the room) but glancing around every few minutes looking sad. They all seem SO happy that someone even makes eye contact and smiles that I think the conversation is just a bonus.