The red cup generation, the participation award generation, the social media generation; who is to fault for a generation obsessed with others opinions and thoughts? The trend runs incredibly deep to the point where individuals do not respect or have confidence in themselves. Does it make our generation flawed? The world we live in today is one changed from generations past. Is social media to blame, or is it how our generation was raised? I've followed my high school peers for nearly four years on social media, through the summer before college and I collectively observed the following.
We live in a world where pictures on social media prove true happiness.
One where an abundant amount of red cup party photos create popularity and decide happiness within an individual's life. The best memories are lived, not shared among peers. Our generation would be shocked to know that some of my favorite memories have no pictures to show for. You can be in what appears to be a "loving" relationship that is uninteresting and unhealthy. Pictures are deceiving, and should not be a standard of livelihood. This past summer I posted primarily scenic photos, and realized I was lacking on the pictures with friends and family. Did that mean I wasn't having the summer of a life time? No, it meant my summer was satisfying enough that I did not need the social media world's approval.
We live in a world where entitlement is the epitome of young adults.
From little on up, I grew up surrounded by other parents who seemed unhappy with their children's performance. Why? Every sports team I was a part of, every organization and extracurricular activity had that one parent that was not content with their child's performance. Complaining to coaches, they would try to prove their child was better than originally attributed and deserved a better position, higher team placement or extra award. The participation award is more proof of the entitlement adults have given their young. Why do children deserve awards for simply participating. The pride for being involved should lie within oneself, not others.
We live in a world where success and popularity are used interchangeably.
What defines success? In our generation, students only believe in success that is broadcasted to the world. Did you really win an award if there isn't a Facebook post about it? The sense of achievement I get from completing a goal a set for myself outweighs the proof I have showing the remainder of the world. Sure, compliments are nice and all, but our generation needs to break the cycle of relying on others for praise and confidence. The more followers you have, the more successful you seem. This is not the case, and I will not let my peers and social media follower number define my greatness.
With such defining characteristics in a generation, it is no wonder we have the labels we do. Our generation has become dependent on others for approval. I believe this label needs to be broken, and thoughts need to be individualized. Your social media follower count and red cup photos do not define you. Yes, social media brings together a community as a whole, but as a result our generation lacks self confidence and approval. Stop relying on others for praise, and start believing in yourself and growing pride on reaching your goals and achievements.
