[xsrdx]

Couldn't that enterprising college graduate get a roommate, or take an apartment farther away from the trendy spots? That would go against everything that these young adults see on TV, and in the popular culture. Advertising almost suggests that adults in that age bracket live far beyond their means, and for the many that can't afford it, "going back to the parents" has to feel like the only other option.

That has to have a lot to do with it - the electronics, automotive and "home improvement" industries have every 20 year old thinking he/she has to have a 60" plasma on the wall and a BMW in the driveway - MTV Cribs and whatnot.

Expectations and consumerism have driven credit card debt through the roof, so naturally the kid can't make it on an entry level income.

[Nowhere Man]

That has to have a lot to do with it - the electronics, automotive and "home improvement" industries have every 20 year old thinking he/she has to have a 60" plasma on the wall and a BMW in the driveway - MTV Cribs and whatnot.

Valid points as well. In my case, I'm still watching the same TV we got when I was in 10th grade, a 1982 Zenith that we got in early 1983. Heck, when we got that TV, it was cable ready and MTV came in fine, trouble is, they only played music videos then. B-)