Derek Thompson
Coverage of Derek Thompson in the Nexus archive.
- For 250 years, work defined American identity. That era Is ending
The article discusses how work has historically defined American identity for 250 years through productivity, self-reliance, and moral obligations rooted in the Puritan work ethic and Jefferson’s yeoman farmer ideal. It questions the societal implications of AI disrupting work as the primary source of identity, dignity, and belonging, raising concerns about redefining purpose in a post-work era.
- Today's teens are a more sober, less social generation
Teens today are drinking less than their parents did, with a significant decline in teen drinking starting from the late 90s. The trend has accelerated, with 41% of 12th graders, 24% of 10th graders, and 11% of 8th graders having drank in the past 12 months in 2025. Researchers attribute this shift to various factors, including social isolation, body optimization culture, and economic pressure.