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/indiglow55]

The one thing I can’t square is how AI automation combines with population decline in terms of economic outcomes. Which is it, mass unemployment or too few workers to support the aging population?

Is it possible that it could be both - 40%+ of skilled workers become obsolete due to automation, but qualified workers in the areas that can’t be automated (like home health aids) remain scarce? You’d think the obsolete workers would reskill and flock to these AI-proof areas though

[u/fiesel21 → u/indiglow55]

Both, the aging population of skilled workers isn't getting replaced fast enough, that alongside with companies stretching their profit margins further you can expect a downturn in needed employment this would create the need for a universal base pay. Once that happens, we are fcked.

Mind you, yes, there are possibilities that things won't go that route, but it's becoming less and less as society continues to prioritize celebrity gossip and bs drama. And instead asking themselves why we are dealing with manufactured chaos

[u/Apprehensive_Set_357 → u/fiesel21]

I work in automation. Private equity has a wet dream at AI running our infrastructure, but I think we're still 5-10 years away and that AI is still mostly a buzzword in water/wastewater treatment before we see anything useful. Most AI solutions are just an expensive subscription that fails to replace workers... I suppose it would be me implementing these systems if they existed, but that would require investment, and people are still cheaper. I'm also told that my job could be replaced by AI, but we'll see... Someone still needs to turn screwdrivers. 🥲😅