Conflict,
anger, sensation, trauma—and then TikTok, memes, and entertainment, these are not just random words; they represent a generational shift. They reflect how people
of different age groups perceive the current state of the world, not just in
Asia but globally. We are living in a time where the mindset of our parents
differs significantly from ours, and the gap becomes even wider when compared
to the next generation.
The
word “WAR” sounds like a nightmare for our parents and grandparents because they
have experienced those days and nights in past decades. They still carry the echoes
of those bombings, the tears of homeless families, the sacrifices of thousands
of innocent lives, and the economic devastation; they believe that conflicts and
wars can never bring joy or benefit in anyone’s life. Our parents lived through
the era of newspapers and radios, a time when access to information was
extremely limited. Their knowledge of events like war often came solely from
printed headlines or official government broadcasts. News was delayed, filtered,
and scarce, offering only a brief glimpse into what was actually unfolding.
In
contrast, our generation grew up during the rise of rapid technological
advancement. We witnessed the shift from analog to digital, from landlines to
smartphones, from traditional jobs to the gig economy. Our perception is a
blend of inherited values and newfound freedoms. We find ourselves in a different
position as we are witnessing both the generation of our parents and that of
our younger siblings and children. The contrast in their mindsets is clearly
visible. However, one conclusion remains undeniable: war is never a solution.
As a global society, we must reflect on what was truly gained from the world
wars and weigh it against the devastating loss of millions of innocent lives.
Despite
everything, we must acknowledge that we are living in the fastest-moving
technological era in history. Information from around the globe is now just a
tap away, and within microseconds, we can access news and updates from
virtually any country. This instant connectivity is undoubtedly a remarkable
advantage, allowing people to stay informed and engaged like never before.
However, it also raises a critical concern—how do we deal with the spread of
misinformation?
Today,
we live in an age where a single video can go viral across the globe within
minutes, yet we often have no reliable way to verify whether it's real, fake,
AI-generated, or simply footage from a video game. Mainstream media presents
one version of events that are often filtered or selective while social media
paints a completely different picture. In such a situation, it becomes
increasingly difficult to find out the truth. We’ve witnessed this during past
wars, and now we are experiencing it firsthand in our own region, the
unsettling reality of manipulation and misinformation.
One
fundamental truth we must grasp is that war is never the answer. A missile or
drone cannot distinguish its target with moral clarity, it does not know who
should be harmed. When one home is unsafe, its neighboring homes are also at
risk. In conflict, no one remains truly untouched. It is necessary for us and
especially for the younger generation to understand the importance of always
praying for peace and never glorifying or wishing for war.
Conflicts, wars, and acts of terror should never be sensationalized. Speak to your parents and grandparents about what they endured during times of war; they will never advocate for it. Because in the end, those who lose their lives never return and no matter which side they're on, every loss is a heartbreak for a mother, a spouse, and a family. This is not something to be turned into a meme, take a moment to consider the families who have gone through such pain. Imagine how difficult it must be for a soldier to write what could be their final letter or make a last phone call, not knowing whether they will ever return. Just pause and truly reflect on that reality.
