[missedthecue]

The economy is not in terrible shape though. And even in horrible economies like Venezuela, we don't see a teenage depression trend that follows GDP chart. I just don't think there is a meaningful correlation.

As a matter of fact, I would hazard a guess that there is more teenage depression in America's wealthiest suburb (Loudoun County, VA) than in inner-city Detroit.

[cudgy]

True. The economy is great … if your wealthy and own/trade bubbling assets. The other 80-90% of people are not fairing better given the scenario described so aptly by an above post. Flat real wages (adjusted for inflation) and soaring fundamental expenses like housing, medical care, education, and now everything else including food and transportation do not bode well for most people. Basic math.

[infiniteL0Op]

Sorry to say, but you are somewhat out of the loop.

The reality is, both Venezuela and Colombia(I have lived in both) are absolutely desolate, it is impossible to know how bad it is there if you have not actually been there(not as a tourist, though even that would give you an idea).

And it's not the first generation in either country that gets their future thrown away because of political corruption and incompetence. Outside of the capitals it is absolutely hopeless and the people can't easily emigrate anywhere.

Forget statistics, go into the real world at times.

It's doesn't take machine learning to realize that the working poor and most middle class are living kg paycheck to paycheck and owning a house will remain a pipe dream for many people around the world if nothing changes.