We reward children for things that never required a reward in the past. In early childhood sports, everyone gets a trophy and a pat on the back whether they win or lose. People bribe their children with money and gifts to clean their rooms. Are we teaching our kids that life rewards mediocrity?
A tough reality is headed their way – or so we might think.
Adults now are being rewarded for mediocrity as well. Last week Facebook Places moved towards offering businesses the opportunity to offer discounts and specials to people who checked in at their locations. The GAP company jumped on that and offered free jeans to people who came out and checked in.
It’s hard to gauge the future impact of rewarding children and adults for doing things that really required no effort (or reward in the past). But the fact is rewarding mediocrity has grown up, and from a consumer perspective, you’ll hear no complaints.
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