Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Growing Up?- Aparna Suresh Nair

 “Growing up is losing some illusions, in order to acquire others.”

- Virginia Woolf

This specific quotation prompts important questions, such as: "Are we genuinely developing, or are we merely desperately holding onto the knowledge that enhances our image or positions us as superior to others? "It is reasonable to inquire why I considered this interpretation. It is widely recognised that as individuals age, they tend to develop a more realistic,practical, and refined perspective of the world, replacing their innocent,idealistic, and fanciful notions. This indicates that growing up entails a constant review of one’s beliefs, where old and incorrect information is replaced with new ideas that reflect a deeper understanding of life’spurpose. Certainly, this process will require several years to finish; every one of these years represents a part of our lives. Nevertheless, the reality is that most young people today are eager to grow up; indeed, they desire tobe older than their actual age. In this context, to maintain the illusion of being grown-up, they are increasingly engaging in dishonesty. The genuine essence of becoming mature or "aging gracefully" appears to be fading in today's generation. I recognize that this generation is not the sole one that desires to attain adulthood; this is a natural human inclination. However, if you were to inquire of a child born in the 1960s regarding their wishes, they would likely respond with desires for superpowers or other fantastical concepts limited to their imagination. Now, let us proceed to the1990s. Their replies are somewhat influenced by the arrival of the internet;many of them wish to be skilled in technology or YouTubers. However, asthe 2000s progress, their attention shifts towards aspirations that adults typically desire in their mid-20s or 30s. One may be curious as to why I hold such negative emotions.The excitement of encountering something unfamiliar has diminished.Interest has ceased to exist. In the past, when Baby Lips balm, Dazzler eyeliner, and Cuticura powder were the height of fashion, children and teenagers were unconcerned about their appearance. In contrast, today’syoung children are inundated with skincare and makeup products that they likely do not require. 

The excitement of looking something up and truly dedicating time to complete that research has diminished. Falling in love now appears to be a process filled with many challenges. Nothing is straightforward; everything tends to become complex. We no longer observe children acting like children and teenagers acting like teenagers. I firmly believe that “THE INNOCENCE OF NOT KNOWING ANYTHING” is now a misconception. Children often feel unappreciated and isolated if they are unaware of current trends in music, fashion, or social media. There are numerous factors that contribute to why children do not mature in the expected manner. One significant factor may be the absence of limits onscreen time. Research has indicated that infants who appear excessively engaged with their screens exhibit high levels of stimulation and display notably disturbed behavioral patterns. The programs that are presently broadcast include material designed to create hyperstimulation, thereby ensuring that the child remains captivated by the screen. There were times when the word “cringe” did not imply avoiding actions that align withone’s beliefs, but rather suggested conforming to societal expectations;during these periods, children exhibited greater self-confidence. There were moments when young individuals did not have to experience intense emotions following a breakup, avoiding the self-inflicted suffering that often accompanies such events. There were times when love simply meant experiencing romantic feelings without the complications of confusing concepts and cultural differences that left unfulfilled individuals longing for the wrong kind of love.

Twelve-year-olds often behave as if they are in their twenties, feeling that their lives are already over due to issues that are unlikely to affect them inthe long run. I now pose a question to society: "Why encourage children to develop more quickly? " "Why instill the belief that being less childish will increase their worth? " Allow children to mature at their own speed. Allow them to experience the joy of stumbling, allow them to enjoy the excitement of telling silly jokes, allow them to appreciate mismatched outfits, allow them to feel the disappointment of unrequited love, let them be KIDS, let them be ADOLESCENTS. This article cannot be brought to a conclusion, as the experience of growing up is a constant that will never change. Even if it does alter, such changes will occur gradually and with great difficulty. Awaiting the world's recovery, hoping for a better future forthe upcoming generations.

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