The Instant Gratification Generation
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Instant Gratification Generation

"We want what we want, and we want it NOW."

2713
The Instant Gratification Generation
bigthink

Adults over the age of 50 will jump to say that the younger generations are lazy and have no work ethic. They pride themselves on their 100-hour workweeks with no breaks, their long walks to school and their written letters to loved ones. They tell us how much more interactive life was when the cell phone was put down at the dinner table, and "Facebooking” didn’t exist. They preach to us how the true essence of fun lies outdoors, and not in our rooms with our Netflix and video games. Times have obviously changed. Yet rather than hard workers, has this changed society produced a mass of average people?

Or are we just more efficient?

We are the generation that is contingent on instant gratifications. Now, what does that mean? Well, in short, “We want what we want, and we want it NOW.” While that is contrary to almost everything we’ve been taught-delayed gratification-we have an inherent desire to have what we want, and have it instantly.

But how can you blame us?

We do not remember a time without microwaves, iPhones, instant hot water, Facebook, Myspace, you name it - we got it. We live in a day and age where you do not have to leave your home for ANYTHING. If you want the newest, coolest restaurant's sandwich delivered to your front door, the app Post-mates has you covered (not to mention, they have competitors, so you've got options). Through your fingertips you have access to all the world's information - so why even use a book, right?

It does not matter where you are, or what time it is - if you need to get home (or anywhere for that matter), Uber has your back with the ride.

The iPhone has an app for almost everything your heart desires. I mean, you can even buy a new wardrobe, and meet your significant other, online, at the same time.

Now this culture, like all things, has two sides. People either reach a false realization that everything in life is instant and easy, or people become more efficient.

And when people are used to getting what they want AND they are more efficient, what happens...?

Innovation is a part of evolution, and that is what has contributed to our culture of instant gratification. Behind all these products and devices are people from this generation - and ideas. Ideas that were executed and are now coined. I would argue that the older generations are wrong. The instant gratification culture has indeed burned the appreciation for strenuous work, yet the amount of ideas and opportunities it has bred into society is evident. People may not have to work as hard in all aspects, for while they may still have to push themselves in some, they will be efficient in others.

This generation still has to work hard, just in different ways. Perhaps the instant gratification they have learned and adapted to has instigated a sense of perseverance. It is not necessarily that this generation will try, and when the gratification is not instant, they will give up. Rather, they will try and try again until they can make the gratification instant.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

92730
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments