Unlocking the Minds of Indonesian Youth: Exploring YOLO Mentality, Pessimism and the Road Toward Well-being

Accept that no one knows how to handle their younger workers. They live in different bubbles than the older generation. Due to this condition, many older generations consider them as someone that doesn’t have grit, mental strength, and many more. This generational gap often leads to misunderstandings and challenges in workplace dynamics.

By acknowledging and addressing these differences, companies can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment that meet the needs and expectations of both the young and older generations. 

What is YOLO?

YOLO (You Only Live Once) was a trending term and still has become one of the most prominent youth cultures in the world. It often includes striving for a solo, spending for oneself, and emphasizing on happiness of today. Despite individuals’ efforts to improve lives, the lack of security for the future in current society encourages the idea of YOLO.

YOLO may also become a method of self-cure to encourage a transition from a pessimistic attitude against society to well-being. Others define YOLO as an act of purchase based on one’s will.

This act of following YOLO lifestyle has resulted in a wave in terms of social and economic state, that changes traditional consumption values. As most followers of this lifestyle are young adults, making a self-centered priority of consumption habits with the inspiration of the YOLO idea. 

Prevalence of YOLO

More than half of our respondents (52%) describe themselves as someone who is a follower of rushing gratification or YOLO.