Opinion piece Problems I see in my generation

Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is confronted with a world of uncertainties about our future, rapid technological advancements, global issues like climate change, and economic and political instability. These challenges, coupled with the complexities of youth and the transition to adulthood, present a pressing need for action. 

I'm inspired by our generation's resilience, authenticity, and passion for inclusivity and making the world a better place. Our ability to adapt and overcome challenges is a testament to our strength. However, I'm also frustrated with underlying issues that are severely affecting our interpersonal relationships. Today, I'll give three reasons and solutions that could bring about positive change.

I believe many of us are dealing with unresolved trauma:

I've had too many conversations with my peers about what they experienced as children that affect their daily lives now. While they're trying to address the issue and see it, they do not know what to do about it and or fully comprehend and see the direct link between the unresolved trauma and how it integrates into their day-to-day life, and It's disheartening. Studies show that over 55% of Gen Z have been treated for a mental health condition, and yet we are not getting the full help we need to bridge this gap. Resources like therapy can significantly help us feel more mentally stable, but most of us can't afford it.

The solution: We need to face our issues and have more tough conversations with ourselves, our close friends, families, and loved ones about healing from our pasts for better days ahead. It takes courage to confront our past and work towards a better future. You cannot expect to one day wake up and not operate out of toxic behaviors that you've become conditioned in. I'd suggest prompted journaling and seeking therapy as a start.

Overuse of Social Media and our cell phone addictions plays a significant role.

We are a generation who grew up with our faces glued to our devices. With the rise in usage of social media, it's been beneficial in connecting with others around the world, building up our personal platforms for success, and having so much knowledge in the palm of our hand, but too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing. Studies show 31% of Gen Zers in a 2023 survey said social media negatively affected their mental health. Studies have also shown that passive social media use, such as scrolling, could be linked to declines in subjective well-being. I believe overuse of social media and becoming attached at the hip to our devices has caused an offset of many issues such as face-to-face communication, fear of missing out or that we aren't good enough in a constant state of comparison to our peers through the highlight reel presented in front of us, and living in the moment without the need to share in hopes of validation from the internet.

The solution: We need to emphasize spending more time away from our devices to live authentically and go out, start conversations, have spaces dedicated to the community we regularly spend time together in, and join clubs with hobbies we are pursuing. Disconnecting from social media can be liberating, allowing us to focus on our personal growth and relationships. Let's put more value into spending time in nature as well as disconnecting from the outside of the pressures of who you should be and what you should be doing and wearing to reconnect with what you want, who you are, and separating the actual value of yourself to likes, views, and shares. Set a challenge to spend four fewer hours on your device and use that time for one of your hobbies or spend time with loved ones.

The fault presented in having microwave mindsets and short attention spans.

We tend to be impatient and have a fast-track idea of what our success should look like. It makes sense; we've grown accustomed to watching young starlets such as Zendaya and Kylie Jenner take off in their careers at young ages. Influencers such as popular Twitch streamer Kai Cenat or TikTok sensation Addison Rae go viral and start their careers, but we must understand that their journey is not ours. Yes, we can and should take inspiration from the careers and people we can relate to and admire. But it is unrealistic to believe we won't have to put in the time and hard work to garner success.

The solution: Having short attention spans and wanting everything from producing very little is not valuable. We need to realign our thinking. Pursue our goals and dreams with a desire for quality, regardless of the time and effort it takes. My takeaway is to dispel the belief that you are behind in your success because of how someone else achieved theirs and start exploring what motivates you, building up your skills in focus and authentic purpose to feel more fulfilled.

Conclusion:

It's possible for these issues to be resolved and not be so prevalent in our daily lives. But we have to first be informed, start important conversations on these topics, and create a supportive movement of change to solve them.