What is wrong with todays Youth?

Question

I realize that every generation says this about the next, but it seems todays youth are pre-occupied with material things, are more prone to depression and scuicide, are dis-interested in global affairs to the point of ignorance. Is wealth an issue and what factors have caused this?

Answer 1

Every generation did stupid things, this one seems to be equally adept as previous ones. One thing that could be a particular problem is that previous generations had some rather definite rules and ways of life to pass on. Even though the younger generation chaffed under them, they did carry forward a substantial piece of the previous customs, norms, and mores. The previous generation, my generation, did not do that, so current children and young people don't have the civilizing continuity that their grandparents had. My parents generation knew how to act irresponsible, but then shoulder the burden when the time came. My generation knew how to act irresponsible but then became irresponsible. The current generation has learned the lessons of the parents--a surprising number have rejected the valueless values of their parents, so there is hope.

Also, there is a comfort in "ignorance is bliss", especially when the world news is blasted at them with such polarizing hyperbole. I remember when some commentator was remarking about everything but drinking water was either about to kill us or a disaster in the making. The following week were reports on how municipal waters from places like New Orleans were unhealthy. Our new media is doing such a depressingly great and dramatic job at making our world seem unlivable. Between that and "musical" rants and raves glorifying and embellishing the anti-social gang lifestyle, I have no doubt that today's generation is depressed. But there are some sharp and capable young people who can become excellent leaders to change that, in time.

Answer 2

Television, the Internet, and worldwide media in general have opened up the world to many teenagers. Older generations lived in smaller communities where everybody had their own little niche in society. Now youths are being swallowed in this new global-sized society. Many believe they have no place and they feel they wouldn't be missed if they weren't around.

As for the disinterest in global affairs? For some people my age the world revolves around them in a way, and they are too busy figuring out their own personal issues to be interested in the rest of the world! Of course, this in only a generalisation. Many of today's youths are genuinely interested in current events. But there are a lot who live in their own "teenage bubbles" and don't notice much about the world around them!

Answer 3

Wealth plays a part-- when kids had to work to earn money to buy what they wanted, they took care of it. Today, parents give the kids more, so they want more. It's like the old -- keep up with the Jones- . Kids used to do things with their parents & family-- today most parents are working, so the kids are left alone. They need family time, taught manners, values, and that if they act wrong, they will be punished. Society today needs to get away from the computers, TV, Ipods-- and go out, maybe have a picnic, ride a bike, have a cook-out with family & friends. Make your home a welcome place for teen to gather. It's better to have your kids and their friends at home than on the streets.

Answer 4

Well I am a youth but I wonder about those my age everyday. If they wan't to die so badly, I bet with confronted with the chance to really kill themselves 75 percent of them wouldn't. They just want attention. As for the global stuff... I don't like to be ignorant and get the facts straight but I am 16 only once and am not going to read the newspaper ad start sayin g "Oh no, terrorist again!" We just like to live life to the fullest the ones that aren't suicidal and depressing, just like your generation did :).

P.s; i AM NOT INTO MATERIAL THINGS. yOU ARE BULLSHITTING ME IF YOU SAY THAT EVERYONE IN YOUR GENeration weren't material people. Some are, some aren't.

Answer 5

Don't make sweeping generalisations, it's foolish.

I'm fifteen and I'm neither ignorant or pre-occupied with material things. I'm interested in politics and I am most certainly not prone to suicide.

It makes a change from people who assume everyone our age hangs out on street corners doing drugs though.

Answer 6

Wealth is a major proponent, because they have no aim whatsoever to make their lives better by studying harder, because they think their lives are good as it is. It is also because of today's methods of parenting. Children are never exposed to the real world till they're out there, and once they are, they don't realize what happened to them, and they're done with [suicide, depression]. Simply not putting limits onthings, such as sex, personal ambitions, and desires, distorts and corrupts them.
Hmmm, they're very much like politicians: give them what they want, they double-cross you, dont give them what they want, they'll worship and befriend you, backstab or hurt them, they'll bomb or impeach you.

Answer 7

what's wrong with today's youth? today's (and yesterday's) parents. i really don't think that wealth is a factor at all in the way our children are acting... the lack of parents who are actually interested in being parents. a lot of parents didn't have parent's that taught them things they needed to suceed in life so they have nothing to give their own children. the "drug flood" of the 60's and 70's greatly effected the effectiveness in parenting. i could go on and on and on regarding what's wrong with the world...

Answer 8

Perhaps its not the youth that are faulty since every older generation says the same? Perhaps the youth seek what they have been taught to seek, by examples our society gave them? Children are pretty sharp so perhaps we need to set better examples if we want them to live better?

Answer 9

it should be a parent wondering where did i go wrong or was this what i was really teaching my children? its hard to believe but i feel the same way. i have THREE girlsand one boy and i pray very hard every night that they understand whats going on in this world. it's kinda like the saying my parents tell me..." your children are going to twice as a bad as you were when you were this age-HORRIBLE!" i was a naughty little girl so im trying to get ready for the future of my girls. theyre not even teens yet!!!

Answer 10

They have never been taught to value anyone else. They don't learn the golden rule--to treat others as you want to be treated. So they don't care about anyone but themselves. This isn't just about money or material things. They think it is ok to lie, cheat, steal, kill, etc. When you only care about yourself you don't care how you treat others.