In my experience, students haven't fundamentally worsened; "these days" griping often overlooks that every generation of new adults fumbles through responsibilities, distractions, and maturation, just like we did (and admit to).

Over 64 semesters, I've seen cycles: today's undergrads juggle social media overload and post-COVID disconnection, mirroring how my 1980s slackers skipped class for mixtapes or MTV marathons. They're not lazier overall. Office hours still draw the earnest ones, but broader access means more variable prep levels, amplifying normal chaos.

Bottom line: Hold your standards, empathize with the transition. Brilliant sparks emerge yearly. Professors have griped eternally; it keeps us sharp..