The "G*ndu Generation" – A Reality Check for Today's Youth

I do not write for this generation. I am writing for other ages. If this could read me, they would burn my books, the work of my whole life. On the other hand, the generation which interprets these writings will be an educated generation; they will understand me and say: 'Not all were asleep in the nighttime of our grandparents.'

-Jose Rizal

In recent years, terms like the "Gandu Generation" have emerged, widely used by older generations in describing what they perceive to be the shortcomings of this generation. The term in itself is harsh and derogatory, but it really reflects a gap in understanding and expectations between older and younger generations. For some, it defines frustration at the apparent attitudes and behaviors of today's youth: stuck to their phones, fixated on instant gratification, and in need of resilience. Is that the case? We dig deeper into some of these criticisms in detail—not to judge but to incite reflection—for the sake of this reality check: the social media obsession and the need for validation.

The most recent criticism about the generation has been the dependence on social media and obsessive need for acceptance. Social media such as Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat have altered the dynamics of connection and reduced complex identification to mere images and descriptions. This creates constant needs for validation in the form of likes, comments, and follows. When sharing is concerned with life moments, this is harmless; excessive use of virtual approval, however, distorts self-worth.
Social media is based on algorithms that try to keep our attention and to compare and make us feel less than what we are. In fact, a report by the Royal Society for Public Health found that use of certain social media actually increased instances of anxiety, depression, and poor sleep. Most importantly, comparison to anyone else's life on social media, which has been staged or curated for maximum visibility, is one of the largest pitfalls of modern society: it breeds feelings of inadequacy. The danger is that this "highlight reel" works against the grain of real self-reflection: who comes out on top as the most successful, happiest, or simply most beautiful online?

Instant Gratification and the Dwindling Patience for Hard Work

The digital age has made every food item and every form of entertainment available in a single touch, which breeds an expectation to get instant results. Sure, it is not such a bad thing to benefit from ease, but, at times, this same attitude will breed impatience, especially in areas such as career development, educational pursuits, and personal developments.
The time required to preserve the necessary resources, work patiently for years to build a strong career and finances, and then enjoy life is all but impossible for this generation to understand. Constantly switching jobs, discarding hobbies, or abandoning relationships the moment they feel inconvenient are all trends feeding into the stereotype of a "Gandu Generation" who cannot make commitments.
This is an area that must be addressed. Hard work, discipline, and perseverance are timeless virtues that will be needed to accomplish meaningful goals. Even younger generations face their own unique challenges, and finding a balance between convenience and patience is important.

Superficial Connections and the Decline of Real-World Communication Skills

Social media has indeed opened up the communication landscape, and it can relate individuals across continents. However, on the negative side, these virtual connections appear to be shallow and meaningless. Friends or family members are sitting together but staring at the screens in front of them instead of focusing on each other. Other older generations find this trend disturbing and can't help but frown in dissatisfaction.
Strong relationships are built from empathetic, vulnerable, and authentic presence—issues much harder to build up through the internet. The process of typing a message or sending an emoji is much too easy, but having actual human-to-human relationships calls for more. There is so much value for the undistracted times that one gets with one's loved ones, being fully present in conversations, and actually listening attentively. Bottom line: these skills have resulted in personal fulfillment and ways to create lasting relationships.

Escapism and lack of resilience

Many arguments assert that this current generation has a weak point towards being resilient. This age craves to get out of issues rather than tackling the challenges. It can all start with an unlimited means to entertainment from one form to another—Netflix, video games, endless scrolling—any source makes it very simple not to be bothered at a certain point. There may not be too many cases to show emotional resilience where emotional growth will find challenges and make things manageable and difficult to solve problems as real life comes on their heads.

In building resilience, one needs to fight head-on against adversity, and that cannot be done if someone is constantly retreating into digital escapes. Older generations, having gone through periods of political and economic uncertainty, often consider resilience and grit as fundamental characteristics. They see a youth who has grown up with fewer challenges in some respects and does not want to go through the struggle associated with failures in professional endeavors, personal losses, or even slight inconveniences. The idea that the generation is more comfortable over challenging has created a stereotype view of a generation failing to cope with stress and failure appropriately.

Eroding of Traditional Morals and Community Spirit

In older generations, values are more group-related, such as family, community, and tradition. These values focused on contributing to the common good, respect for elders, and concepts of stability. Present-day youth is substantially influenced by individualism—more a personal goal, ambition, and freedom. While there's nothing wrong in itself with self-centeredness, the approach to prioritizing individual needs over the group's needs creates a sense of loneliness and disconnection from traditional values.
Community support, family relationships, and shared responsibility are what make strong societies. When today's generation relies too much on individualism, it is risking the value that collective support systems provide. Older individuals see the modern sense of self as a loss of moral compass, though to some extent, you may see it as freedom from restrictive norms.

The Positive Side: Why the "Gandu Generation" Is Also Misunderstood

Although there are some valid arguments made in this criticism, there is a need to recognize the positives of today's generation as well. They are much more aware of social and environmental issues than perhaps any previous generation. Young people are at the forefront of fighting climate change, of raising awareness around mental health, gender equality, and the fight for marginalized groups. They're challenging outdated norms and trying to create an inclusive and equitable world.
Today's youth are so good at using technology to solve modern problems in new ways. They have made applications for mental health, activist platforms, and so many other things that alter the course of society in ways never thought possible before. People tend to forget all these positive things and get stuck on what seems foreign or hard to understand.

Finding Balance and Moving Forward

The term "Gandu Generation" represents real frustrations but is mostly unproductive in painting the whole generation with a brushstroke. Times are at a watershed of facing unique challenges, such as quick-speed technological advancement, changing job markets, environmental crises, and global instability—challenges that really separate their world from that of their parents and grandparents.
More inter-generational understanding and communication are needed. The young can learn from the wisdom and resilience of their elders, and the elders can appreciate the positive forward-thinking aspects of the young people. Instead of being a source of division, this gap can be bridged to foster growth, understanding, and mutual respect.

Conclusion

The term "Gandu Generation" comes out of frustration; it is unfair to stereotype while the valid critique stands true. This generation of young people also has strengths and weaknesses, as did their predecessors. And, yes, a reality check will be helpful. They will be more aware of how dependent they are on social media, how to survive, and the strength required for deeper relationships. On the other hand, elderly persons should always acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of young people in building a more interrelated and socially cognizant world.
In the end, it is a matter of creating a culture where both sides learn from each other. Youth must balance convenience with resilience, and society as a whole must work toward a world that respects both individual freedom and community values. Such a balance can break down stereotypes and pave the way for a healthier, more connected future.

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