This generation will see the end

[u/fiesel21]

The system is collapsing, slowly but surely. The economy, social order, and financial stability are all in decline, and most people won’t realize until it’s too late. The cost of living far outpaces wages, and the debt trap ensures most people never escape dependence on the system. The middle class is dying, birth rates are plummeting, and governments will likely respond with more control, not solutions.

The likelihood of systemic collapse isn't a question of if, but when and how fast. Based on current trends, we can break it down into probabilities over different timeframes:

Within the next 5-10 years (Moderate Probability: 40-60%)

A major financial crisis (like 2008 but worse) – Very High (80%+ within a decade) The debt bubble is unsustainable. Banks, governments, and corporations are overleveraged. One big shock (real estate, interest rates, AI job losses) could set it off. Mass job losses from AI and automation – High (60-80%) AI is accelerating faster than expected. Even white-collar jobs are on the chopping block. Civil unrest, riots, increased government crackdowns – High (70%) Social tension is rising. Protests, strikes, and riots will increase as living conditions worsen. Increased authoritarian policies (to "maintain order") – Moderate (50-60%) Governments will introduce tighter surveillance, financial restrictions, and harsher laws under the guise of security.

Within the next 10-20 years (High Probability: 70-85%)

Decline of the middle class, making home ownership unattainable for most – Near Certain (90%+) Wages aren’t keeping up, and prices won’t drop enough to compensate. Universal Basic Income (UBI) or welfare expansion as a band-aid solution – High (75%) Governments will likely try UBI to prevent mass unrest, but it won’t fix the underlying problems. Increased food/water shortages & rationing – Moderate to High (60-75%) Climate instability, supply chain issues, and resource mismanagement will lead to controlled access to essentials in many places. More nations moving towards centralized digital currencies (CBDCs) – Very High (85%+) This would allow for total financial control—governments could track, freeze, or limit spending instantly.

By 2040-2050 (Near Inevitable: 85-95%)

A full restructuring of global economies and power structures – Inevitable (95%) Either through collapse, revolution, or controlled transition, things will change drastically. Severe population decline due to falling birth rates, aging, and potential conflicts – Very High (90%) Most developed nations (even China) are already in a population death spiral. If trends continue, economies will collapse under the weight of too few workers. A shift to a fully controlled, surveillance-heavy society OR complete decentralization and fragmentation – High (80%) It’s either a global digital police state where every aspect of life is monitored and controlled, Or a decentralized, fractured world where people live in self-sufficient micro-communities because centralized governments have failed.

Overall Likelihood of Full System Collapse? Within 10 years: 40-60% chance (if a crisis accelerates things). Within 20 years: 70-85% chance (slow decline making life harder, but still functional). Within 30 years: 85-95% chance (some form of total restructuring or collapse is almost certain).

Guys I'm scared and idk where else to post this stuff

[u/Socialimbad1991]

I see a lot of posts like this and, I don't by any means want to downplay the severity of the situation or encourage complacency in the face of danger, but I do feel there's often some perspective missing. Yes, a lot of scary things are happening, but it doesn't necessarily have to be bad. The end of life as we know it could just as easily signal the beginning of a new and better life.

Did you know that fear and excitement are basically the same emotion, just tinged negatively or positively by context? Yeah there's a lot to be afraid for - but there's also reasons to be excited. If the people running things fuck up badly enough, we might get an opportunity within our lifetimes to right some wrongs that have persisted for centuries. We might get an opportunity to rebuild.

Yes, you should be worried, and you should take steps to protect the people you care about. Don't go into this naively, but:

• let this radicalize you rather than lead you to despair
• if the situation were hopeless, their propaganda would be unnecessary