How much worse could it be than most cars already being sold? Will they also be selling my driving habits to insurance companies?

To be sure, Briggs said inflationary pressures are likely also hurting confidence. But he said “lower happiness” at large can partially explain the continued disconnect between sentiment and other measures of the economy’s performance, such as gross domestic product growth or stock market performance, that offer rosier views.

It’s almost shocking how out of touch they are. The wealthiest 10% of Americans own 93% of stocks according to a 2024 article.

Briggs also cited a connection between lower overall happiness readings and decreasing trust in institutions. He found that lower trust in these bodies caused a “disproportionate amount” of the decline in net happiness in recent years.

Given the connection to non-economic variables, consumer sentiment readings may not improve even if the economy continues chugging along, Briggs said. As a result, consumer sentiment may become a less useful predictor of economic dynamics, he said.

It’s like a parody, or something the onion would write. Economists aren’t serious people.

I’d imagine an athlete doing this sort of thing in a more popular sport would face more criticism and ridicule. If anything, Hyrox being niche is probably saving her from a lot of attention and outrage.