Is the New Generation Getting Too Soft?

Have you ever heard someone say, “Kids these days are so soft?” It’s a phrase that’s been around for generations, and it seems like every new generation gets accused of being coddled and sheltered.

You’ve heard it before—parents, grandparents, or random people on social media talking about how “back in their day,” life was tougher, people were stronger, and failure was a valuable life lesson, not something to be avoided like the plague. So, are we really becoming too soft, or is this just the circle of life repeating itself?

Before I get into it, know that this is a light-hearted exploration of a common generational stereotype. It’s important to remember that every generation has its unique challenges and strengths.

The Survival Instinct: Are We Losing It?

One common argument is that the new generation lacks the survival instinct that our ancestors relied on. Some argue it’s fading fast. There’s a growing sentiment that the competitive spirit is disappearing. Nowadays, in many areas, it seems like everyone’s a winner, no matter the outcome.

And while participation trophies feel nice at the moment, what happens when these kids step into the real world, where failure is a more frequent visitor than success?

Think about it—most entrepreneurs, athletes, and artists have one thing in common: failure. They lost at some point, but instead of shrinking back, they learned, grew, and succeeded. Michael Jordan didn’t become a basketball legend by winning every game.

He famously said, “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career… and that is why I succeed.” But what if young Jordan had been told, “Hey Mike, it’s okay, we’re all winners here. No need to push yourself”? Maybe the competitive fire would’ve been dimmed.

Nowadays, it seems like kids are being raised in a bubble. They’re encouraged to think that there’s no such thing as failure, that everyone gets a trophy, and that life is basically one big party. But the real world doesn’t work that way. You have to go through setbacks, disappointments, and even heartbreak to become a strong, successful person.

A world where failure doesn’t exist is a world where growth stagnates. We need to realize our own potential, but sometimes that potential is only unlocked by facing hard truths.

The Rise of Anxiety

It’s undeniable that anxiety rates have been rising among young people. Studies show that Gen Z reports higher levels of anxiety than any previous generation. Some argue that this is, in part, due to a lack of accountability and responsibility. No one wants to admit fault or own up to their mistakes because we’ve created a bubble where blame is avoided at all costs.

But some also point to a culture of coddling and overprotection as contributing factors. When young people aren’t allowed to make mistakes or face consequences, they may struggle to develop the resilience needed to cope with life’s challenges.

Rules of Life Aren’t the Rules of Society

Here’s a wild thought: does the average person today understand why humanity exists, how the universe works, or what life is really about? It sounds like a deep, philosophical question (and it is), but it’s also a reflection on how disconnected we’ve become from the fundamentals of life.

We’re more plugged into our screens than we are to reality. The rules of social and political structures shape much of our world, but life’s deeper truths—like the importance of failure, responsibility, and self-discipline—seem to get lost in the shuffle.

And speaking of screens…

Real Life, What’s That?

A lot of today’s generation has spent most of their lives behind a computer screen, with many of their experiences happening through a monitor rather than in real life. Their friendships are virtual, their problems are solved via Google or Artificial Intelligence, and their entertainment is streamed. Real-life experiences? Those are becoming rarer than finding an honest politician.

While technology is amazing (let’s not forget how it’s revolutionized everything from communication to medicine), it’s also made it easy to avoid real-world challenges. Why take a risk and put yourself out there when you can just “like” someone’s Instagram post instead of actually talking to them in person?

Everything, All the Time

We live in a time where desires are celebrated—no matter what they are. It’s all about indulgence, gratification, and doing what feels good. But that’s not a path to happiness. As humans, we need temperance. Life isn’t just about satisfying every whim that comes our way. If anything, overindulging can lead to unhappiness and weakness. True happiness comes from self-mastery, from learning to control desires, not letting them control us.

Further Read: Why Moderation in All Things is Good?

Every Generation Thinks the Next Is Soft

Now, before we get too carried away, let’s take a step back. Every generation calls the next generation soft—it’s practically a rite of passage! We’ve been saying this for millennia. Sure, each generation becomes “softer” than the last, but isn’t that kind of the point of civilization?

We’re constantly improving living conditions, inventing new conveniences, and making life a bit more comfortable. Would anyone really want to go back to a time without air conditioning or Wi-Fi? Didn’t think so.

At the same time, while comfort is great, we shouldn’t completely idolize the present and forget that toughness, discipline, and resilience still have their place in shaping well-rounded humans.

The Golden Era of Intelligence

Despite all the criticisms, here’s a silver lining: we are living in an era of incredible intelligence and creativity. Statistically, we are advancing at a rate never seen before. The new generation is smarter, more informed, and more connected to global issues than any generation before them. They’re the ones who will carry this torch forward, and they’ll find their own ways of doing so.

So, are they soft? Maybe in some ways, sure. But softness isn’t necessarily bad—it’s just different. Every generation faces its own unique challenges, and while we can debate the merits of coddling or competition, the truth is that each generation finds its balance in the end.

What do you think? Is this generation too soft, or are they simply adapting to a new world?

Let’s not idolize the past, but let’s not overlook the lessons it offers either.

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