The Peril of Social Media and The Youth

In a recent encounter with four young men, aged between twenty to twenty-two, I found myself delving into a conversation that went beyond the usual challenges faced by the youth. As someone who coaches and counsels young individuals regularly, the heightened level of angst and desperation displayed by this particular group was alarming. Most of them are college students or enrolled in cyber certification programs, yet their lives are marked by a perplexing duality, with the roots of their choices traced back to the ominous influence of social media. The prevalent reasoning behind their lifestyle choices is startlingly simple – the fear of being perceived as "broke" is driving them to adopt a facade of wealth. These semi-educated and intelligent young men have become ensnared in what they referred to as the new "game" on social media. In this virtual arena, everyone seems rich, but the reality is that many are follower and aesthetically rich yet cash and credit poor. The desire to live lavishly, take spontaneous trips, and accumulate wealth quickly has become a driving force, eclipsing the traditional values of patience and hard work. One of the young men encapsulated their mindset when he declared, "being broke ain't cool." He justified their pursuit of immediate gratification by pointing to the perceived success of others on social media. "They're getting it over there, and we can get it over here," he insisted. It became evident that social media had become a pervasive force, influencing not just their decisions but shaping their entire worldview.

As I attempted to convey a reality check to these young men, emphasizing that not everything on social media is real, I was met with resistance. The new generation has grown up with social media as their religion and drug of choice. This digital realm has become an altar at which their values, morals, and perceptions of success are sacrificed, leading to a slow erosion of their consciousness.

What is most concerning is their willingness to take extreme risks and penitentiary chances, just to project a certain lifestyle. The pursuit of 'keeping up with the Joneses' has taken a dangerous turn. They are prepared to risk their lives, driven by the belief that opportunities have not been given to them, even though they are hesitant to put in the hard work required to earn those opportunities. In a paradoxical twist, these young men are resistant to the idea of working hard for traditional employers, dismissing opportunities that pay $15 per hour as inadequate. However, they demonstrate a willingness to risk their lives and freedom for less than the federal minimum wage, exemplifying a disturbing misalignment of priorities. One individual, when confronted with the financial reality of his choices, remained unmoved, highlighting the deep-seated influence of the social media narrative.

The unsettling state of the next generation, as revealed in this conversation, raises poignant questions about the impact of social media on our society. The pervasive desire to present oneself as a character online, rather than striving for genuine self-sufficiency, suggests a troubling trajectory for future generations. As a society, we may find ourselves at a crossroads, where the allure of a virtual persona eclipses the value of hard work and tangible accomplishments. Navigating this complex landscape will require a collective effort to redefine priorities and foster a healthier relationship with the digital realm