Is it terribly depressing to be a low or middle class teen during the summer?

[Anonymous]

There's zero mystery about whether a teen is having a fun and exotic ($$$$$) summer... or a boring low or middle class tier summer. It's not just periodic facebook (rarely used by teens) or instagram updates, it's a constant stream of video clips of teens' lives via snapchat and instagram stories shoved into each teen's face all day, every day.

I feel like even five years ago teens were sort of oblivious to how wealthy peers spent their leisure time - now there's nothing left to the imagination. It's like a full on socioeconomic assault. It has to be a source of summer depression, right? Separately, but related, there's now no way for kids not to see when they're not invited to a party or whatever it may be. Brutal.

[Anonymous]

Are you a teen? Or are you just, uh, reliving your frustrated adolescence? Seems like the latter to me. Have another Xanax and go to bed.

[Anonymous]

No. It is awesome.

It is not like "the poors" are friends with your snowflake anyway.

[Anonymous]

I think you believe that people care more than they actually do. Kids are busy having their own fun not moping around about your summer or whatever $$$$ trip you are taking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you believe that people care more than they actually do. Kids are busy having their own fun not moping around about your summer or whatever $$$$ trip you are taking.

This. I grew up UMC (by DCUM standards...in reality, we were rich -- mom stayed home, dad a biglaw partner, house in a W-school cluster), but my parents didn't like international travel, so our vacations were always road trips to ballparks/amusement parts within a few surrounding states. It wasn't until I was much older, like into my 20s, that it occurred to me that people might find our vacations "low class" and "trashy." It never even occurred to me that our vacation was less interesting or exciting than the international jaunts my friends were taking.

[Anonymous]

I was working in the summers and didn't even know any really rich people. They weren't at my high school. But yes, I think I'm very glad I didn't have to know what other people were doing without me. I would have been miserable getting my face rubbed in it. I think it's so tough for kids today. I mean look at all the adults on here who can't handle it!

[Anonymous]

I know people that have 10s of millions and their favorite vacations are camping trips (not glamming) and remote rundown cabins.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know people that have 10s of millions and their favorite vacations are camping trips (not glamming) and remote rundown cabins.

Ah yes, "camping" in Kennebunkport... or setting up a tent on The Cape (with $10M beachfront mansions in the background). Totally slumming it. Lol!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you believe that people care more than they actually do. Kids are busy having their own fun not moping around about your summer or whatever $$$$ trip you are taking.

I think teens become numb to it over time. But to pretend they're not at all phased by it is wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know people that have 10s of millions and their favorite vacations are camping trips (not glamming) and remote rundown cabins.

Ah yes, "camping" in Kennebunkport... or setting up a tent on The Cape (with $10M beachfront mansions in the background). Totally slumming it. Lol!

"low-key picnics make me happy"... *tagged location: Mykonos*

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think you believe that people care more than they actually do. Kids are busy having their own fun not moping around about your summer or whatever $$$$ trip you are taking.

This. I grew up UMC (by DCUM standards...in reality, we were rich -- mom stayed home, dad a biglaw partner, house in a W-school cluster), but my parents didn't like international travel, so our vacations were always road trips to ballparks/amusement parts within a few surrounding states. It wasn't until I was much older, like into my 20s, that it occurred to me that people might find our vacations "low class" and "trashy." It never even occurred to me that our vacation was less interesting or exciting than the international jaunts my friends were taking.

What is W-school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's zero mystery about whether a teen is having a fun and exotic ($$$$$) summer... or a boring low or middle class tier summer. It's not just periodic facebook (rarely used by teens) or instagram updates, it's a constant stream of video clips of teens' lives via snapchat and instagram stories shoved into each teen's face all day, every day.

I feel like even five years ago teens were sort of oblivious to how wealthy peers spent their leisure time - now there's nothing left to the imagination. It's like a full on socioeconomic assault. It has to be a source of summer depression, right? Separately, but related, there's now no way for kids not to see when they're not invited to a party or whatever it may be. Brutal.

I agree. Much like Facebook, Instagram have let us know what is going on in old classmates life — no catching up about last 10, 15 years but rather about last week.

And FOMO is real so yes I imagine some 13 year-old sitting indoors all day babysitting siblings wishes she could be at the lake

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know people that have 10s of millions and their favorite vacations are camping trips (not glamming) and remote rundown cabins.

Ah yes, "camping" in Kennebunkport... or setting up a tent on The Cape (with $10M beachfront mansions in the background). Totally slumming it. Lol!

Most people who vacation on the Cape don't stay in $10M beachfront mansions.

[Anonymous]

We used to take vacations to the islands and Martha's Vineyard when my kids were younger. We have a second home in South Florida. We are selling it after 10 years because we don't go down as much and kids say it is boring. Go figure. They are teenagers now and like most of their friends are working and taking a summer class. One camp each in their sport. And, going camping or to the beach with friends. Nothing exotic. And, we have a pool too that they rarely use now. This is what they enjoy. I am glad to have time to relax and do nothing.

[Anonymous]

I went to private school in my youth, from family that was middle class and my relatives were all working class. I wasn't depesseded during the summer, but when I went back to school to hear about what all the people richer than I did, yeah it was depressing. I would think it would depend on which high school the kids attended and how wealthy their peers parents are.

It was worse during the higher elementary grades when teachers would have us stand up in front of class to talk about what we did that summer. I really emphasized that one day we went to the beach, and didn't talk about all the mornings I watched the Price is Right with my grandma. Most other stalked about their Disney vacations or hanging out at beach cottages for a month.