So generation Z is known to be one generation with the most economical, social and health problems. Mental Health, Depression, et cetera et cetera. While this could be perceived as a cliche due to its monotonous tone, I believe there are things that generation Z are struggling with. This is primarily because the world is rapidly changing, and everything is going so fast – sometimes unnoticed.
Therefore Today, I want to share with you 5 addictions that I think every generation Z should fight. Not just as some random activists in the streets, but in their personal lives – from an individual level. These 5 addictions are things that are conspicuous in our society Today – and it’s becoming obvious that my generation is struggling with them. I know most people do not want to talk about this. But…lucky enough for me and you, we are gonna talk about them here. So, I hope you are ready. And…let’s get into them.
1. TV
Like I said in this article, generation Z are defined to be anybody born between 1997 and 2015. So, I have a distant cousin who is about 12. Every time I have visited them, I always get her on TV. She is the one with the remote controller. Almost controlling every thing – the shows that the entire family will watch, how and when they should watch them. Everything.
Well, while sometimes I get to justify that it is ‘normal’ for her age, I think the same challenge cuts across the entire generation. Even the older gen Z find themselves in the exact same position. Addiction to the Television. I personally have found myself struggling with this addiction – especially in my teenage years.
I remember back in high school when I would spend time with friends who were in college (most of them in their senior years). We would watch movies, TV shows and programs the entire night – up to 4AM. Literally – 4AM. And guess what happens the next morning? Sleep the entire day – and wake up at 6PM feeling unmotivated, depressed (and guilty). The bad thing is that we ignored this side effect for the longest time I can remember. The time that we wasted would have been channeled to something productive. Like sleeping in the right time – So that we can get enough time during the day to do other productive things (like reading personal development content).
2. Social Media
We are the digital natives – I get it. Keeping updated is good, staying connected is great. And social media is amazing. Here is why.
Social media has good content that we can always learn from. We have platforms where we can get to network and resonate with like-minded people. May be people we are looking up to. We get to know what is going on around the world. Get to know the latest release from Apple before our old non-updated folks get them.
The problem however is that – it is eating us up. And I believe the problem always comes when we fail to differentiate our life inside social media, and life outside social media. Because the truth about social media is – everybody always wants to portray the best version of themselves there. The best picture for the profile, and the best moments to tell as stories.
And then we tend to forget or ignore our reality outside social media. The real challenges we face in our daily lives. And I think when we are ignoring our challenges (by pretending to be okay even when we are not), we are subconsciously denying our lives. We are basically trying not to deal with our situations (good or bad), and solving our issues. Which is what we should exactly be doing always – taking control of all moments of our lives. It’s all about getting responsible, and not just getting lost in the glamour and beauty of social media.
3. Alcohol and Drugs
I should have probably put this as number one on the list. But the good thing is, I am doing this without a particular order. Here is the thing. I can confidently say 8 out of 10 of gen Z, either takes alcohol or does drugs.
And don’t get me wrong. I am not trying to judge here (because I don’t know about you). Some people take alcohol for good reasons. May be it’s a graduation ceremony that they want to celebrate. Or may be they have made a million dollars out of their first business. Or just some special occasion of their life.
The problem however comes when you are doing it for the wrong reasons. When you are taking alcohol or drugs out of peer pressure, or for imaginary reasons – like getting confidence to approach the most beautiful lady (or gentleman) in town – that’s where tragic happens. When you are taking Marijuana because you didn’t get the job you applied for – that is absolute B*LLSH*T. You are gaining some imaginary escapes from the reality, when you should be dealing with things as they are. You are falling a victim in your own life, when you should be a player. It’s all about being responsible, owning all your sh*ts together, and taking control.
And the harsh truth is a lot of generation Z are struggling with this.
4. Gaming and Betting
A lot of generation Z who are in high school are probably the most victims of this one. But I will tell you, even the older are falling victims too. This is probably one thing that can replace alcohol or marijuana among generation Z. It’s one thing that can keep you ‘high’ if nothing else can.
It is every generation Z dream Today to buy the latest Play Station. In my opinion, I believe gaming is good. And that is if – and only if – you are doing it the correct way and with balance. Gaming can train your mind to act fast. And it might increase your intelligence level. That’s why most techies and geeks have a past in gaming.
The problem however is when you are doing gaming and betting for gambling gains. Or when you are giving them a priority before anything else – such that it becomes your equivalence of a 9 to 5 job. Why are you training for the wrong habits? Why are you locking yourself in your room the whole day, when you should be out there making more good gains? Like losing those 40 pounds inside your belly.
5. P*rn
It must be a great way to wrap up the list. Talking about the magic of the world. Sex and fantasies.
There is nothing wrong with P*rn. Especially if you are watching to get some hacks to apply in some areas of your life. You get a thumbs up there. The medics are agreeing with it. It’s healthy.
The problem however is when things get out of control. And you can’t do without p*rn, or you want to replace your significant other with the fantasies (thou shall never try). P*orn Addiction. While it’s evident that the teenagers are the most affected, the truth is it’s breaking marriages and relationships. And it’s therefore why every generation Z should fight this addiction. Especially early in their lives before it becomes a pandemic in the future.
Why am I sharing this with you?
Is it to show myself off… ? NO. I have been in some of the situations.
If you are struggling with any of these 5 addictions, I don’t want you to lock yourself in your room and cry because the whole world seems to be yelling at you. All I want you to do – is to own everything. Own the fact that this is a challenge in your life that you need to work on. And actually start working on improving.
When you work on these 5 addictions, it will give you the freedom to start concentrating on important parts of your life – and cut out the unnecessary. It’s all about getting the true better version of yourself.
If you have anything to add about these 5 addictions, or you think there is some other kind of addiction I have left out, leave it in the comment section below. And don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family who might enjoy it. They will love you for that.
