#YouthJobs

Recent graduates in computer science—long regarded as having the most assured path to professional success—are confronting an unexpected reality: unemployment rates within their ranks are now among the highest for any undergraduate major, prompting a critical reevaluation of the “learn to code” mantra that has shaped global education policy and vocational planning over the past decade. According to a recent analysis based on the latest labor market report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the unemployment rate for new computer science (CS) graduates in the United States has ballooned to 6.1%, while those holding degrees in computer engineering fare even worse at 7.5% (Newsweek). This stands in stark contrast to the overall recent graduate unemployment rate of 5.8%, challenging assumptions not only in Western economies but also in rapidly digitizing societies such as Thailand.

Ben Affleck’s recent refusal to buy his son a staggering $6,000 pair of sneakers has ignited widespread discussion about celebrity parenting, youth spending culture, and the enduring value of teen employment. The Hollywood star, acclaimed for both his on-screen performances and his role as a father, shared this story publicly while revealing that his children hold “classic teenager” jobs—a detail that resonates far beyond the glitz of stardom. As celebrities often influence social norms, especially among young people, Affleck’s approach has prompted both admiration and debate, raising critical questions for Thai parents about financial discipline, youth work ethics, and fostering responsibility in the next generation (source).