The Baby Boomers were also known as the “Me Generation” due to their selfishness and consumer mentality. However as I watch my children grow up in this generation I see many of the same actions and behaviors. Selfish parents have bred selfish children, much to the detriment of society as a whole. Although there are always exemptions to this generalization, it seems like this generation of kids should be known as the iGeneration.
With iPads, iPods, and iPhones consuming more and more of their increasingly short attention spans this generation of technology infused children seems to regard personal communication as passé. Although they are connected to everyone they are also separated from everyone, living in a technological bubble of their own creation. Combine that with the intense drive towards personalization and you get an extremely self-centered generation.
Not only does being self-centered hurt the child, but it also hurts the economy and the environment. This idea of being an island in the midst of endless information can be an isolating experience. The iGeneration lacks the social skills necessary to function in the real world. Because of this their ability to hold down a job or a long term relationship suffers.
Think about it. How did you learn to get along with others, work in a group, take orders, be a leader or any of the other essential tasks of any job? You learned it as a child from other children and adults. However if you take away this necessary interaction that forms these social skills, as many of the iGeneration has, you also take away the learning experiences that make social interaction in the real world possible.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not against technology in the least. In fact I am glad that this generation is able to use all the benefits that technology has brought forth. However that does not mean that they should abandon the real world in favor of the online one. That cannot be healthy in any sense of the word.
The economic and environmental concerns I referred to have to do with thinking outside of this technological bubble. In order to hold down a job and become a productive member of society the iGeneration needs to learn the social skills necessary to communicate effectively with others.
Environmentally the use of technology has influenced a wasteful culture where broken items are thrown away and new ones purchased instead of repaired. With this all or nothing mindset children have little concept of the ramifications of their actions on the environment. From mercury and other toxic metals in landfills to tons of plastic wrappers and packaging, their consumerism fuels a wasteful and damaging cycle.
How can you help your children to break this cycle of selfishness? Pull them away from technology and focus on face to face communication. As a parent you can be a great influence in their lives. Take time away from your own technological distractions to really talk to your children about the important things in life, like relationships. Help them to get involved in the community and be mindful of the needs of others. Their choices now can determine their success in the future, so help them to make the right ones.
Ken Myers is a father, husband, and entrepreneur. He has combined his passion for helping families find in-home care with his experience to build a business. Learn more about him by visiting @KenneyMyers on Twitter.
