In recent years, an increasing number of university students have chosen to steer away from science-related fields. While this situation can be attributed to a combination of economic and psychological factors, I believe that this decline will have significant negative consequences for society.

The decline in science enrollments is influenced by a combination of practical and emotional factors. With the rising cost of living and stagnant wages, many people struggle to cover their basic needs, let alone afford a comfortable lifestyle, save for future emergencies, or invest in income-generating assets. In response to this financial burden, students often prioritize more lucrative fields such as law, business, and technology, which are perceived as offering quicker and easier paths to well-paying jobs. Moreover, the misconception that science does not lead to profitable career opportunities further discourages students from choosing it.

Emotionally, the widespread use of social media, coupled with the culture of comparison, has led parents to measure their children’s success against a select few high achievers. As a result, students feel pressured to choose less demanding subjects, such as art, home economics, and basic business, rather than challenging disciplines like science, in order to align with their parents’ beliefs and expectations. A good case in point is my country, Uzbekistan, where financial difficulties and immense parental pressure push students toward easier and more financially promising subjects instead of science.