“The problem with your generation…” I have heard this phrase one too many times. Yes, I realize there are many problems with my generation, but the thing is, constantly complaining about it does not change anything. I get irritated when my parents complain about today's generation, but I do realize they are right.

As time goes on, the art of a handwritten letter will disappear more than it already has. Instead of actually calling someone on the phone, people will continue to just text each other. Before we know it, e-mail won't exist anymore. It is sad that small things that are important to the older generations do not matter to the younger generations. Instead, we have created our own way of life with new rules.

All communication is done via text message. Important face to face conversations do not happen. Instead, today's generation takes the easy way out by just texting long paragraphs to explain how they feel: they hide behind their phones. Memorizing someone's phone number is not something people need to do anymore, thanks to the address book on cell phones. Almost everything is handed to us. We expect to get an award for things we accomplish. Social media has dominated society. Dating is no longer a thing. These changes happened quickly, and it is sad to think that there is no turning back.

Social Media

Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram… the list goes on and on. Social media has a huge impact on our culture. It shapes how we think, how we feel, and it has an effect on our every day routines. I am guilty of posting my daily activities on Snapchat, as if anyone really cares what I am doing. I realize this, yet I still do it. It becomes a habit to constantly check what other people are doing, even though it does not matter to us. Worrying about what other people are doing does nothing. If anything, it causes unwanted anxiety and stress, because FOMO (the fear of missing out) is an actual thing.

Social media has played a huge part in actually socializing. When kids hang out, their conversations revolve around what other people are doing, or talking about something that another person posted online. They Instagram pictures and tweet what they're doing instead of actually enjoying themselves. Instead of living in the moment, they are living in a virtual world.

Relationships

Way back when, dating was an actual thing. A guy would have the courage to walk straight up to a girl and ask her to dinner. In today's world, it is rare for a guy to ask a girl on a date. Instead, it is backwards: hook up, "talk," and then go on a date. Sorry, mom and dad, but it is the truth.

Relationships start with "hooking up" and then "talking." I am not exactly sure when this became a thing, but it is sad that it is still ongoing.

No one wants to commit to one person. Everyone just wants to have "fun." I understand not wanting to be in a relationship during college, but today's generation of kids do not respect on another; they use each other.

If you want to be with someone, just be with them. Make the most of it. It is not a hard concept. "Talking" needs to end and commitment needs to happen. Just use the actual words "boyfriend and girlfriend."