70 percent of youth feel their academic performances not up to older generations' standards

Over 70 percent of today's youth feel their academic performances are lower than those of older generations as a result of the government's education programs to reduce school hours and learning content, an Internet survey has revealed.

The survey, conducted by 10 Meiji University School of Commerce students as part of their marketing research class, asked a total of 20 questions about today's younger generation, covering 500 men and 500 women aged between 18 and 22 across the country.

As a result, 73 percent of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that the government's "relaxed education policy" resulted in lower academic standards in their generation, while 27 percent strongly disagreed or somewhat disagreed with the opinion.

Over 70 percent answered that they prefer a stable work environment in the midst of the tough employment situation, while more than 50 percent agreed that the younger generation today is "less involved in social activities"; "depends on manuals for everything"; and "loves staying alone and withdrawn."

Meanwhile, around 60 percent of those surveyed said they are "less enthusiastic about having relationships with the opposite sex," "not interested in driving or purchasing cars" and "more fond of eating sweets than drinking alcohol."

"My school textbooks were thinner than those of my older siblings, and I think the academic performance of my generation is lower, too," said a male student in the college research group.

"Young people today only do things that are interesting for them. As they do not drive cars, their scope of activities is probably becoming smaller," another member of the group added.