How old are you? The younger generation grew up post 9/11, post the great recession, post the COVID lockdowns. There has never been a time of economic stability. Combine that with being informed of world events at lightning speed, Its naturally going to lead to pessimism.
They weren't talking about pessimism, they were talking about propaganda.
The propaganda sticks because its rooted in some truth.
That the world isn't a utopian place and economic downturns happen? That was also true in the 20th century. The one with 2 world wars and a cold war between nuclear powers.
Yeah well the unfortunate truth is this pessimist generation saw their parents buy a house and build wealth with a nickel, a piece of bubblegum, and a handshake so your argument will fall on deaf ears.
It is the opposite actually: propaganda is designed to create the illusion of truth in your own mind. Kind of like the movie Inception, but out loud.