Anatomy of Youth: Belonging to Communities - The Disconnect

The “Anatomy of Youth” report left me feeling quite overwhelmed, which is appropriate given that it highlights the complex challenges young people face today. Individuals aged 16-25 encounter as many, if not more, issues than previous generations, often hindered by constraints like age, education, and financial resources. We are often hesitant to confront these issues because, after all, if we can’t enjoy life now, when can we?

There’s an old saying: societies benefit when a person plants a tree under which they will never sit. This rings true. A striking statement from the Labour Party’s 1959 “The Younger Generation” declares that it is not the youth who are the authors of their future, but rather the current generation writing the story they will live. If we fail to address climate change now, it will be the youth who must find alternatives to oil—an arduous task. A failure in education impacts us doubly. The lack of long-term thinking for short-term gains is affecting us most. As the Simpsons quip, “Won’t somebody please think of the children?!” Why should it be our responsibility to solve these issues?

In the chapter on belonging to changing communities, research shows young people feel most disconnected from their local neighborhoods, less so than from their online communities. This reflects a culture of individualism fostered since the 1980s. While the internet is a valuable tool allowing young people to thrive, it often encourages impersonal connections. Online, everyone has a list of likes, dislikes, hobbies, and upcoming events, easily accessible before starting a conversation. As Zygmunt Bauman notes, young people may be losing the ability to ‘critically analyze’ others in social settings because their identities are already displayed online. This trend potentially makes them less personable and less willing or able to engage socially.

Our disconnect is a significant threat to youth. What’s the emotional benefit of communicating with five people in China if you don’t know your neighbors? According to page 112 of the report, if we don’t address community disconnect, participation, volunteering, and engagement will decline.

Ironically, Bauman mentions that blogs epitomize our competitive, attention-seeking, celebrity-obsessed culture. They exist to attract notice. Therefore, I’ll reserve further thoughts unless asked—in person.

For more insights on youth and community, explore our Anatomy of Youth: Belonging to Communities - The Disconnect, A new anatomy of youth, and The Anatomy Of Youth: Living and caring in fluid families.