This interview explores the evolving attention economy and its profound impact on Gen Z, arguing that attention now functions as a foundational economic input, akin to traditional capital. Kyla Scanlon highlights Gen Z's experience with a "broken ladder problem," where traditional paths to predictable progress, like college education and homeownership, feel increasingly out of reach, leading to widespread nihilism, fear, and anxiety. The conversation delves into the "barbell theory" of Gen Z's economic responses—either pragmatic trades or high-risk speculative ventures—and the pervasive "ambient uncertainty" fueled by factors like AI's impact on entry-level jobs and the diminished college wage premium. Ultimately, the discussion posits that the digital realm, driven by attention and speculation, is creating a frictionless yet potentially meaningless existence, starkly contrasting with the growing friction and challenges in the physical world.