中产家庭，养娃陷阱

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "Affluenza," where children from affluent backgrounds experience emotional emptiness and lack of motivation despite their material wealth, leading to a sense of meaninglessness in their lives [3][9]. Group 1: Early Peak Experiences - The term "Affluenza" describes children who, despite having abundant material resources, do not achieve greater happiness or resilience [3][5]. - Children in affluent environments often experience "peak experiences" too early, leading to a loss of interest and a sense of meaninglessness as they have too many choices and little effort required to achieve success [6][7]. - Psychological studies indicate that children who easily attain peak experiences may lack novelty in their lives, resulting in a diminished sense of anticipation and a reliance on instant gratification [7][9]. Group 2: Parental Expectations and Pressures - Children from wealthy families face immense pressure to achieve high accomplishments, primarily driven by anxious parents who fear losing their social status [9][10]. - The pursuit of elite education becomes a reflection of parental values, where success in college admissions is seen as a return on investment for the resources spent [10][11]. - The high expectations from parents create a stressful environment for children, leading to issues such as anxiety, depression, and even self-destructive behaviors [11][12]. Group 3: The Role of Insight Moments - The article emphasizes the importance of "epiphany moments" in personal development, which are often absent in the lives of affluent children who are overly scheduled and lack genuine experiences [13][14]. - Authentic college application essays require reflections on personal insights that affluent children may struggle to articulate due to their lack of meaningful life experiences [13][14]. - The author concludes that while wealth can enhance life experiences, it can also lead to loneliness and a lack of genuine connection, highlighting the need for deeper engagement in life [14].