Multiple groups have highlighted tremendous increase in US youth anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Anger, theft, and bullying have all measurably increased. We also have an enormous number of working age men who simply aren’t working.
No simple answers here, but I wonder… consider about the messages that these young people consistently hear:
- Climate change could end the world before you’re 30 years old
- Your home country is fundamentally and incurably racist, sexist, and patriarchal. This is the source of all inequality.
- You can’t trust your parents to help you understand things like your sexuality or spirituality.
- Your sexuality is fluid and changeable.
- Covid is an existential threat to the human race and therefore every means to combat it is justified.
- Equal outcomes are the necessary state. When that doesn’t happen, there are victims, something is terribly wrong and must be corrected.
- AI is already smarter than you will ever be.
- Digital and virtual are equal or superior to being together in person.
- Never take risks.
- Rich and famous people will not be held to the same standards as others.
- Contrarian points of view are dangerous and divisive. There is no need for vigorous exchange of ideas in the process of discerning truth or the right things to do.
- Everything is relative, there is only your truth. Only evil people would deny your truth.
- Democracy and freedoms will die if the wrong politician is elected.
- You’re super special. If the world doesn’t treat you right, claim victim status.
This is a potent cocktail. If you wanted young people to feel more disconnected, uncertain, and hopeless, you’d marinate them with these ideas. This is not a foundation for responsible relationships, growing in maturity, or citizenship in a diverse society.
I implore you, within your sphere of influence, share positive and hopeful messages. Express gratitude and confidence in future possibilities, even as you deeply understand our flawed nature and the corrupting power of lies. Honor history with all its messiness and the best of our social and technological progress. Model these things!
