For today’s children, choosing friends is a significant theme. Recently, a millennial teacher shared a lecture on “How to Choose the Right Friends” on Facebook, which went viral with 9.3 million views in just a week. If this trend continues, how will the nature of children’s friendships change?
Today’s News: What’s Happening?
Source:
https://biztoc.com/x/1407312ded17b9ee
Summary:
- A teacher gave a lecture on the importance of “choosing the right friends” to children.
- The video of that lecture accumulated 9.3 million views on Facebook.
- Education that prevents children from being negatively influenced is emphasized.
Changes in the Era
1. Adult Perspective
In today’s digital age, children have increasing opportunities to be influenced online. The proliferation of social media and easy access to information are affecting children’s judgment. This issue arises from the rapid spread of the internet, which has provided children with more exposure to a wider range of information.
2. Child Perspective
Among children, the way they choose friends is a major daily theme. Online friendships and interactions through social media have become a part of their lives. We need to consider how this impacts their daily choices.
3. Parent Perspective
As parents, it is important to understand the influences on our children and have appropriate guidelines. Instead of waiting for society to change, parents themselves need to take actions that positively impact their children.
If This Continues, What Will the Future Be Like?
Hypothesis 1 (Neutral): A Future Where Online Friendships Become Common
Children will find it normal to make friends online. This will enable interactions beyond geographical constraints, but at the same time, the importance of direct human relationships may be overlooked. Online communication skills will become a valued aspect of friendship.
Hypothesis 2 (Optimistic): A Future of Diverse Friendship Relationships
Children will easily meet friends from different cultures and values. This will broaden their perspectives and help establish richer relationships. Acceptance and understanding of diversity will deepen as a value.
Hypothesis 3 (Pessimistic): A Future Where Direct Human Relationships Diminish
As online interactions become mainstream, face-to-face interactions will decrease. This may lead to a decline in subtle emotional exchanges and face-to-face communication skills. In terms of values, interactions in virtual spaces might surpass those in the real world.
Questions for Family Discussions (Tips for Parent-Child Dialogue)
| Example Questions | Objectives |
|:—|:—|
| What would you prioritize when choosing friends? | Understanding imagination and values |
| If you make new friends online, what activities would you like to do together? | Cooperative learning and understanding diversity |
| What agreements would you like to establish with your family regarding friendships? | Choice of actions and digital citizenship |
Conclusion: Prepping for the Future of Friendship, Choosing Today
What kind of future friendships do you envision? We invite you to share your thoughts through opinions and comments on social media. Let’s consider together the forms that future friendships may take.
