Young people are slowly shunning science degrees because of one surprising reason, difficulty in accepting failure. The declining number of youths taking STEM courses is a really issue in the United States and a unique look at the problem blames Young American's difficulty on accepting failure.

In a blog originally posted on Statnews and reposted with permission by the Scientific American, Youths raised in a "you can be what you want" attitude seems to shun science college degree choices when they start to experience failures. Talking subjects focused mainly on Math and Physics, the ability to manage both time and mental capacity to take on these subject can be daunting to young people.

At the moment, the number of scientists who are natural-born in the US are dropping and the spearhead of science and technology have shifted to Europe and Japan. According to observations made on young undergraduates, many starts to shift course upon experiencing their first failure. According to Sara Whitlock of STAT, failure resiliency is lacking with American youths these days and this will undoubtedly have negative effects in the future.

However according to studies such as those made by Spotlight on Science Learning Reports show that many high school graduates are not enthusiastic of STEM courses because of stereotyping issues. Media and society portrays scientists and mathematicians as socially awkward people, nerds and geeks. Though it might be trivial, social standings and acceptance is a major factor for youths to feel acceptance.

The United States was once at the forefront of innovation, science, technology and discovery. However, because of the low number of students who are brave enough to start a career in STEM, the trend will continue to worsen. There are many scientists in America, but most of them are foreigner-born, which shows how American youths are turning up these days.

Topics College Degree, Science, Stem