An open letter to Generation Z

Social media has validated rapid and superficial reactions. Let's resist.

What was life like before social media? More importantly, how did we respond to major issues before social media? I wouldn't know, but it probably included a careful amount of thought and consideration. As I said, I wouldn't know because I am just starting high school this fall. Social media has changed the way that my generation sees and reacts to the world. It isn't all good.

The entire concept of social media is centered on instant and singular reactions. This forces people to choose a side and ignore potential doubts. There's little middle ground. It robs young adults of a fair chance to explore and grow ideologically.

The seemingly infinite political movements on social media also lack depth. It's easy to judge a book by its cover when you only see the cover.

Social media isn't inherently bad. In some instances, it's helped many positive social movements gain momentum and produce results. It incites extreme emotions, so people listen and react. However, this cultivates a culture of knee-jerk and self-serving reactions lacking actual empathy and depth.

Youth today have grown up immersed in this environment. What happens when Generation Z takes the helm in Washington, Tokyo and London?

I don't mean to suggest that young people boycott social media; that's certainly impossible. Instead, we have to use it with awareness.

Assume everything has a hidden bias intended to evoke reactions. If you see something and feel passionate about it, explore it in depth. Gather all the facts to help understand the cause. Be comfortable with ambiguity.

If you only feel strongly about it because everyone else does, resist this trap. How we deal with this will define our generation and who we become. Heck, the world depends on it.

Winston Chu

Glenview