Can adolescents find beauty in emotional impermanence when surrounded by digital permanence? This is an interesting question that requires careful consideration. It seems reasonable to assume that many young people today are growing up in a world where everything is documented digitally, which may lead them to expect their experiences to last forever.
As humans, we all experience change and transience, and it can be argued that this is part of what makes life beautiful. When adolescents understand and accept that nothing lasts forever, they may learn to appreciate the fleeting nature of youth, love, and other aspects of life.
Let's consider how technology has transformed society. In recent years, social media platforms have become ubiquitous, allowing people to share their lives online with others around the globe. As a result, teenagers can now document every moment of their lives, from birthday parties to family vacations to school dances. They can post pictures, videos, and status updates, preserving these memories for future generations to see. While this can be convenient, it also creates an expectation that everything will be captured and stored forever. But this isn't always possible or desirable.
Imagine a high school couple who decide to break up after months of dating. The boyfriend might feel inclined to delete any photos or messages he shared with his ex-girlfriend so that he doesn't have to look back on them. But what if she keeps them as reminders of their relationship? This could create tension between the two, leading to arguments over who gets to keep the digital mementos.
There is a risk of creating unrealistic expectations about relationships. If adolescents believe that they must document every moment with their partner, then they may become anxious when something goes wrong. Their relationship becomes less about genuine connection and more about performance, which could lead to resentment and unhappiness. On the other hand, if teens accept that nothing lasts forever, they can focus on enjoying each other while they are together instead of worrying about capturing moments for posterity.
In addition to intimate relationships, teenagers should consider how emotions change over time. Adolescent love is often intense but fleeting, and many young people experience heartbreak as they move through life. By accepting that feelings come and go, they can learn to appreciate each stage without getting caught up in the pain of loss. It's similar to cherishing the beauty of springtime even though summer will eventually follow.
It's important to remember that life has its ups and downs, and we all experience both. As adults, we know this to be true; our childhood memories fade, our jobs come and go, and even our most significant accomplishments can seem small compared to others. While digital permanence allows us to capture these experiences, it doesn't make them more meaningful or fulfilling. By embracing the impermanence of life, adolescents can find joy in the present moment and enjoy the ride rather than seeking out a permanent record of it.
Adolescents need to understand that everything changes and nothing lasts forever. They can use technology to document their lives, but they shouldn't let it dictate what they do with those memories or expectations. Instead, they can appreciate the beauty of life as it unfolds before them, regardless of whether it's preserved digitally or not.
Can adolescents find beauty in emotional impermanence when surrounded by digital permanence?
Many studies have shown that young people are deeply affected by social media's impact on their self-image and mental health (Park et al. , 2018). Adolescents who spend excessive time online may feel pressured to present themselves as perfect, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem (Kwon & Lee, 2020).