The Economy Is Strong. So Why Is Everyone Miserable?

Economic sentiment in 2025–2026 is near record lows despite strong measures like low unemployment, solid real GDP growth (Atlanta Fed GDPNow around 4%), and expansionary ISM readings, while inflation has ticked up to about 3.8% partly tied to oil-price spikes from the war in Iran. Traditional sentiment indicators are described as increasingly politicized, yet pessimism appears to be broadening beyond partisan lines, reflecting concerns about job-market instability and rising living costs. A key explanation is that social media amplifies dissatisfaction: negative experiences are voiced more loudly, algorithms reward outrage, and constant exposure to wealthier lifestyles heightens resentment and feelings of relative decline. As a result, the economy can be growing while many people experience it as worse, especially if gains are unevenly distributed.

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