Public Service Announcement for Emerging Adults
Kristi Carson
Liberty University
PSYC210
March 27 , 2023
th
Public Service Announcement for Emerging Adults
Emerging adults are individuals who are in their 20s. Typically, they are through the
transition from adolescence to maturity. These folks are often pivotal in their development as
they gain independence from their parents, explore various job choices, and seek their sense of
identity. Emerging adults are often characterized by higher levels of education, more freedom
and movement, and increasing self-exploration. They are also more prone to initiate romantic
connections and participate in risky activities. In addition, they are intent on creating their
identity and gaining a sense of their position in the world.
Emerging adults are defining their identity and a sense of purpose in life. They are
pursuing independence from their parents by pursuing new relationships, advancing their
occupations, and establishing themselves professionally. This might include various
developmental activities, such as creating a sense of acceptability and belonging among peers,
forming stable and long-lasting interpersonal relationships, establishing a professional path, and
attaining financial independence. These developmental activities are based on Erik Erikson's
theory of psychosocial development, which proposes that people must learn to comprehend and
negotiate their identities throughout emerging adulthood. According to Meg Jay, this is the stage
in which individuals build relationships with family and friends (Jay, 2014). Moreover, Jensen
Arnett, emerging adults are trying to get into the knowledge economy, which takes longer to
adapt after replacing the manufacturing economy (Jensen Arnett, 2016)
Career choices, financial stability, love connections, and family ties are the top worries
for emerging adults. They are attempting to balance job development, maintaining ties with
family and friends, and forming good love relationships. They are preoccupied with navigating
adult obligations while keeping their autonomy and independence. In addition, emerging
adults may be confronted with the reality of an uncertain employment market or the difficulties
of constructing a successful profession. According to Meg Jay, many emerging adults are either
unemployed or underemployed, making them struggle financially (Jay, 2014). David Setran
explains that as these individuals struggle to become the best version of themselves, there is a
probability that by the time they reach their 30s, the dreams of their 20s may not be their dream
anymore (Setran, 2016). He explains that this is because their lives have been reshaped and
reoriented
I found Meg Jay’s presentation gives the best advice as she explains why the 30s is not
the new 20s. She explains that the best time to choose friends, lovers, and work is now and that
being intentional with all our decisions is important. She further explains that peer pressure from
social media should not force twentysomethings to make haste decisions just to fit in (Jay, 2014).
The least helpful advice is the reasons that Jensen Arnett gives as to why it takes longer to grow
up today. The advice that I would give myself today is to claim my adulthood, pick my friends,
use my weak ties, and get identity capital. I should not be defined by what I did not know or
what I did not do. I am defining my life right now.
References
Jay, M. (2014). . Www.youtube.com. Why 30 is not the new 20 | Meg Jay
https://youtube.com/watch?v=vhhgI4tSMwc&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
Jensen Arnett, J. (2016). Why does it take so long to grow up today? | Jeffrey Jensen Arnett |
TEDxPSU. Www.youtube.com. https://youtube.com/watch?
v=fv8KpQY0m6o&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
Setran, D. (2016). David Setran | Wisdom for Emerging Adults (4/13/2016). Www.youtube.com.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=UiYkjSAnTJc&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
