THE GENERATION OF TODAY: THE WALKING GADGETS JANET ALLADO- DALUSUNG

What describes you? Do you belong to a generation who face challenges and doubts as you enter this real-world scenario? It took me several times to think and to move my cursor and to press the keys of my computer’s keyboard on how to describe today’s generation based on my observations towards the young people that surround me. From observing my student’s attitude and personalities to the observations that I have gained from my nieces and nephews at home, I do personally believe that every generation has its unique characteristics that make it amazing in its times, from Generation of Baby Boomers up to the generation of the present-- the “Generation Z”. Let’s take look at some of the characteristics of those growing up in today’s generation. According to Cindy Price, the author of the article “The Strengths of Today’s Generation” -- the generation of today are the first generation that have lived with technology on a modern scale. They were born into a world of widely used electronic devices, digital technology, and social networking sites. They are not just embracing the new trend of technology, but instead they have made it entirely their own and created a new way version of economy and way of life to the most impressive and aggressive style. For years, I have read articles about how this generation reacts to this modern world. They can be described as walking gadgets of the modern times. Opinions and social media rants are rampant claiming the generation of today are self-centered, uncaring, and cynical. Their patience can be compared to specs of gadgets that can be easily upgraded and be changed into new versions. It is short-term and lightweight. Their brains are clouded by social media trends and expectations. There are claims that the generation of today are lazy, unmotivated, and emotionally unstable. The generation can be resembled and be described as the gadgets they deal with. No matter how cool they are, how expensive they are, but they will only last for a short time. Moreover, like gadgets, this generation of today are smart. They can make anything impossible possible using internet and computers. Their intelligence is a collection of extravagant information that is readily available because of technological advancement. They can make data, photos, and videos into money. Most of their time is always spent using gadgets along with their daily activities such as walking, running, cooking and at the same time most of their schoolwork is dependent on the usage of gadgets and new trends of technology. The generation of today are just like gadgets who have grown up and have upgraded in an internet-based world. They can be called as a screen monsters. The latest trends of technologically related apps that can be found on their screen which serve as the food of their mental soul, emotional stability, and physical image to perfect their physiques are few of the many evidence that can consider them a walking gadget.

-oOoThe author is Secondary School Teacher II at Dr. Clemente N. Dayrit Sr. Memorial High School