Gen Z: The Digital Age

Once, the electrify of your brain and opening the window to the other world are losing its grip, as our youth have become more time-dependent on social media, especially visuals, to the extent that they've lost the blessing of imagination. Reading novels and articles was a mere habit for the previous generation, but this generation has lost touch with it. They don't even bother to read captions if they're longer than two sentences. As for reading a book, it's completely out of the question, perhaps considered a waste of time. In this piece, we will discuss what they are giving up on due to this mindless social media scrolling.

Social Media Freaks

The generation is often referred to as an era of video content creators, influencers, and TikTokers, who are deeply immersed in these apps. Although these platforms don't necessarily offer innovative learning experiences, their strong allure is quite straightforward – they pay handsomely. Teenagers aged 14-18 are amassing substantial earnings through content creation, building their bank accounts and securing the means to do as they please. Yet, amidst all this financial success, something vital is missing: the nurturing of their minds with knowledge and the development of their mental faculties for clearer understanding. My observations of these content creators led me to a disheartening conclusion: the lights are on, but nobody's home. They appear to lack substantial intellectual depth, merely playing the fool on social media and earning handsomely for it. They could be aptly termed entertainers, once a role primarily reserved for the circus. This generation seems to be in danger of becoming a brain-dead generation. One of the core issues identified is that our youth often overestimate their knowledge relative to their ancestors. They forget that the writings of previous generations were like pearls in an ocean, filled with personal experiences and lifelong discoveries, none of which our youth have truly possessed. Their impatience to acquire knowledge in bite-sized portions is apparent. After conducting thorough research, it appears that this generation is trapped in a self-created, artificial online world. They are reluctant to engage with the knowledge accumulated by their ancestors and instead seek to know how to enjoy their lives through leisure activities, such as Netflix. This seems to define the essence of our youth today.

Brain Fitness:

Studies consistently demonstrate that reading serves as nourishment for the brain, effectively enhancing brain function and memory, particularly as one ages. Research to be published by the National Literacy Trust in anticipation of World Book Day reveals a concerning statistic: in 2019, merely 26% of individuals under the age of 18 dedicated some time each day to reading. Instead, they spent more time scrolling through various digital content. In contrast, books are akin to a challenging workout for the brain. Engaging with books may aid in slowing the natural process of memory decline and reduced brain function that often accompanies aging. This, in turn, may reduce the risk of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Scientific research has affirmed that reading triggers a complex network of circuits and signals in the brain. Regular readers are not only better equipped to remember and recall information as needed, but they also experience heightened focus, reduced stress levels, and improved cognitive functions. It is a matter of fact that we devote time to exercise for our physical well-being and fitness; therefore, dedicating just 30 minutes a day to nurturing our brains is a practice that merits equal attention and priority.

Unfortunately, today's youth have achieved everything at a very young age, causing them to forget the true meaning of effort and struggle. They have accomplished what people typically achieve at a later stage in life. However, their impatience has led them astray, leaving them feeling quite lost. Paradoxically, despite their financial stability, studies indicate that these young achievers suffer from high rates of depression and anxiety. It seems that, in their pursuit of financial success, they have lost sight of their life's true purpose. Engaging in activities like binge-watching on Netflix might bring them momentary peace, but they have the highest rates of depression and anxiety. Their financial stability does little to provide direction, leaving them with a sense of aimlessness and a lack of purpose in life.