By: Ryan Wolfe
May 26, 2025
As we reach the midpoint of the 2020s, technological advancements continue to reshape the world at an unprecedented pace, leaving a sense of change that has lingered since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, 3.62 million babies were born in the U.S., adding to the over 50 million children currently in school. Since 2000, approximately 100 million new lives have entered the country—each destined to shape its future.
Yet, many fail to acknowledge the significance of the younger generations. Gen Z and Gen Alpha are often dismissed for their digital immersion and unconventional aspirations, but underestimating them may prove costly. As these generations come of age, the stereotypes placed upon them could backfire, leaving today’s adults unprepared for the world they will inevitably build.
A person’s mindset shapes their reality, often leading to self-fulfilling prophecies. When someone internalizes negativity and expects failure, they may unintentionally set themselves up for it. Our energy is deeply influenced by the people we surround ourselves with, the media we consume, and how we respond to life’s events. If adults and parents continuously label today’s youth as a “lost cause” with no future, how can they expect them to thrive in the long run?
The 2007 release of the first iPhone revolutionized communication, paving the way for email, texting, social media, and now virtual reality. Older generations helped develop these innovations, yet some express frustration at the youth fully embracing them. As children navigate the world through available technology, concerns arise—especially as 48% of teens in a recent survey reported that social media has a “mostly negative” impact on their age group. This shift in youth culture continues to spark debate among parents and adults in the 2020s.
While technology offers countless benefits, younger generations need proper guidance in today’s increasingly polarized and misinformed world. Social media has become both a distraction and a source of fleeting dopamine, leading many kids toward isolation. Parents must stay attentive to their children’s behavior and step in when necessary. The internet should never replace real parenting, and as AI becomes more integrated into daily life, we must remain cautious and mindful of its long-term effects.
Many worry that AI will replace teachers, but that concern overlooks the irreplaceable role of human connection in education. Teachers and coaches provide empathy, adaptability, and real-world experience that machines cannot replicate. As curriculums evolve, AI struggles to keep up with nuanced changes, raising ethical questions about its place in shaping young minds. Unlike a human mentor, AI often presents binary solutions, overlooking the complexities of learning and the world itself.
We must trust the next generation as they rise to shape the world, becoming leaders in every field. Dismissing them for their reliance on technology ignores their potential to innovate and push society forward. The world is always evolving, and just as past generations built the foundation for our lives, we owe it to today’s youth to support their journey rather than retreat into regression. The future isn’t distant—it begins with the choices we make today.