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Is the new generation really the hope of our nation?
By Edison U. Montes
Student, Agusan National High School
Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
Our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, once said, “The youth is the hope of our nation.” A hundred years and several generations later, the Filipino youth is still being called to step up to Rizal’s challenge. Yet, looking at how modernization appears to be corrupting the youth, I wonder if we can truly give pride and hope to our nation.
Nowadays, our life as teenagers is highly dependent on modern gadgets – mobile phones, mp3 players, and laptops, among others. Most of our daily activities involve these devices. Even the way we socialize or make friends have changed because of the Internet, online games and social networking sites. I have nothing against these technologies because they help us in our studies and personal development. One could not deny the many benefits that these modern devices bring to our lives. However, I am not comfortable with how modern life is slowly dehumanizing us and taking away our values.
We lack the proper communication skills because we are getting used to conversing via text message or instant messaging. We tend to be impatient and lazy because we are getting used to the World Wide Web, where everything can be found fast and easy. We would rather play online games or watch YouTube videos the whole day than spend time with our parents or grandparents. Instead of reading the assigned book and writing the book report, we would just search the Internet and copy someone else’s work. Are these the kind of values we want to pass on to the next generation?
True, we are now in the modern generation and we should adapt to the modern times. However, we should not forget the values that represent who we are. Innovations should not just improve the living condition but should also enlighten us on the vital role we play in maximizing these innovations for the development and progress of our country. Only when we are able to use modern technologies with integrity, compassion, and morality can we say that we truly are the hope and pride of our nation.
(Published 08 February 2010, Smart Communications Inc.)
