Youth values around the globe

 

Todays world of ours is connected globally through technology and social media and it‘s easy to assume that young people everywhere might be growing up with the same beliefs, dreams and values. Even though that partialy could be true, but youth values are still deeply shaped by their own culture, region and local traditions and vary around the world.

In western world like the USA or Europe I see youngsters prioritising self-expression, personal freedom and mental health. They tend to pursue passions, make their own desitions and be happy. I, as an european, also believe that everybody should live their lives the way they want.

In many Asian countries respect for elders, family duty, and academic success is being propagated. That‘s why many asians are studying really hard and trying to make their authoritative parents proud. But, of couse, this takes a toll on their mental health which leads to a lot of depression and suicides. This is why the youth of asian countries are also pushing for more emotional openness and breaking stigma around mental health.

And in poorer counties like African or Latin american young people tend to value their community, friends and family the most. I think this is because they don‘t have the fancy technology like us, western people, do that keeps us detached from each other most of the time, so they enjoy the company of people that surrounds them and take good care of one another.

All in all, as we can see, youth values differ based on the region and the culture they grew up in. And I think this is a good thing because this variety is the reason our world is „colorful“ and interesting. But the problem is that globalization platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube and others are blurring some of these lines between cultures and values.

Domantas Mackevičius