Free Essay On “Generation Me On Trial”

Dr. Jean Twenge in the “Generation Me on Trial” describes the new generations as not having empathy, sense of duty and responsibility, and understanding. However, she claims that the new generation believes in parity. To support this, Twenge uses Mr. Ravi and Mr. Clementi, who were roommates. Mr. Ravi placed a camera in their room to record Clementi having sex with a fellow man. Ravi was happy with his actions and showed the tape to his friends. However, he was not prepared for the consequences of his actions until Clement committed suicide due to his actions.
Basing on the incidence between Ravi and Clementi, it is evident that the current generations mind only their amusement even when such may hurt others. To escape taking responsibility, a majority of the young people today attribute their failures to other things. For example, the attorneys for Mr. Ravi argued that he could not be guilty since he was young and immature. However, it is imperative that the age of a person cannot be an excuse for failing to be responsible. It is the moral duty for everyone to take responsibility for their actions. Rave could have at least felt embarrassed for his actions and apologized even if such could not restore Clementi’s ordinary life. His actions were openly rude, and no one could be happy due to them.
Twenge opined that trends appeared first in young adults who have not experienced the culture without reality TV shows and social media. The emergence of social media and television has made the young adult learn how to do socially unacceptable things. The majority of the young adults in socials media post disrespectful photos and videos. They do not care who they offend. A TV show recently displayed a collection of the absurd photos from Facebook. It showed photos of cross-dressed men and others showing their underwear. Although, I agree that people needs to have fun, the fun must have a limit so as not upset other people inadvertently. It is not good for anyone to destroy the proper use of communication channels such as TV and Facebook.
I am a victim of overusing the social media instead of concentrating on my studies. More than often during my high school years, I had a compelling desire to be on social media as opposed to finishing my homework. I would browse, chat, and post photos on Facebook and comment of my friends’ statuses for many hours. It was not until my grades began deteriorating that I had to reduce the time I spent on social media. I have to experience the culture of the time. Twenge asserted that, “Like it or not, when you were born dictates the culture you will experience,” (p. 2). I have to undergo the cultural aspects of my time but with care so that I do no lose focus. The current generation needs very strict parents so as to help their children grow appropriately and have a good future.

The case presented by Twenge begs the following questions:

Ravi’s attorneys argued that Ravi was young and immature and, therefore, he could not understand what he was doing. Is it ethical for criminals to receive light punishments due to their age?
Considering that there has been a lot of economic pressure in the recent past due to economic hardships, can the parents take the blame for the failing moral in the current generations?
In the article, the Social Medias has both positive and negative impacts on the society. However, it is evident that the majority of the people may not want to live without it. Do the benefits of social media and video games, outweigh the adverse effects?

Works Cited

Twenge, Jean M. “Generation Me on Trial.” The Chronicle of Higher Education. 18 March 2012. 1-3. http://chronicle.com/article/Generation-Me-on- Trial/131305/