Columnist Warns Against 'It's Not That Deep' Mindset

Isha Thakkar encourages Gen Z to embrace critical thinking and avoid dismissing important issues.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a column for The Daily Texan, writer Isha Thakkar argues that the growing tendency among Gen Z to dismiss complex issues with phrases like "it's not that deep" represents a dangerous "war on intellectualism." Thakkar suggests this mindset, fueled by the rise of short-form digital media, is making young people less likely to engage in substantive discussions or think critically about the world around them.

Why it matters

Thakkar warns that the "it's not that deep" mentality is breeding a sense of detachment and cynicism among young people, making them less likely to trust their own intuition, speak up, or think critically. This could leave them vulnerable to being easily persuaded and unable to recognize when they are being misled.

The details

Thakkar cites examples of dismissive phrases commonly used by Gen Z, such as "the curtains were just blue" and "this is such a non-issue." She argues these jokes have evolved into a "war on intellectualism," where caring about things is seen as "uncool" and "embarrassing." Thakkar suggests this mindset has grown alongside the rise of short-form digital media, which encourages quick clicks over deeper reflection. She interviews a rhetoric professor who says many of his students just want their "ticket punched" and don't want to "put themselves out there" intellectually.

  • A CDC survey reports that young adults aged 18-29 are most likely to report anxiety and depression symptoms.

The players

Isha Thakkar

A columnist for The Daily Texan and a government and economics sophomore from Winter Park, Florida.

Jason Badgley

A rhetoric and writing professor who has observed a "rather nihilistic mindset" among his Gen Z students.

Aleena Afzaal

A finance junior who believes Gen Z needs to "lock in and realize that you only live once, and having this mentality is not going to get you anywhere."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What I see from my students is that all they want is their ticket punched. They just want their grade.”

— Jason Badgley, Rhetoric and writing professor (The Daily Texan)

“Gen Z really needs to lock in and realize that you only live once, and having this mentality is not going to get you anywhere.”

— Aleena Afzaal, Finance junior (The Daily Texan)

The takeaway

Thakkar encourages Gen Z to move away from the "it's not that deep" mindset and instead embrace critical thinking, engage in substantive discussions, and speak up in class. She warns that if young people don't practice these skills, they risk being easily persuaded and unable to recognize when they are being misled.