VIEW VIEWPOINT

Youth SCENE

Written by Kerby Anderson October 30 - 2014
The youth scene is changing before our eyes. Sometimes it is hard for parents and pastors to understand what is taking place. Dr. Tim Elmore was on my radio program recently to talk about his new book "12 Huge Mistakes Parents Can Avoid." In the midst of the interview, he explained the cultural situation parents and children are facing in this 21s century world. What is happening can be summarized with the world SCENE. The letter "S" stands for speed. Young people today grow up in a fast-paced world with fast computers and instant information. They like the speed of the world and have come to expect it. So if speed is good, then slow is bad. Having to wait or having to postpone instant gratification is something that irritates them. The letter "C" stands for convenience. This 21st century world makes life easy and convenient, especially for young people living in the developed world. But if convenience is good, then that means that hard is bad. This is a generation much less likely to work as hard than previous generations. The letter "E" stand for entertainment. Young people have more choices for entertainment than ever before. They spend lots of time in front of screens and expect to be entertained all of the time. However, if entertainment is good, then boring is bad. The letter "N" stands for nurture. This is the most risk-adverse generation ever. We protected them with seat belts and bike helmets. And we have always told them to be careful. The message they receive is to never take risks, because risk is bad. The letter "E" stands for entitlement. I have done whole commentaries and even chapters of books on this attribute. Many of their parents had a psychology of entitlement. Their children have inherited that mindset as well. If entitlement is good, then labor is bad. This are the five attributes of the current youth SCENE. But notice that the five things that are supposedly bad are important attributes for success. I am concerned that we are setting up an entire generation for failure.

Viewpoints

View All
1792787803 6adbc55b3d1cd
October 23, 2026
Penna Dexter

Texas Shariah Push

Islamic populations are growing in several states. I live in one of them: Texas. In the Dallas Fort Worth region, we’re seeing land purchases by Muslim organizations, along with well-developed plans f...

Listen
1792784676 6adbb9240fbe8
October 23, 2026
Kerby Anderson

Does AI Have a Soul?

Decades ago, I was asked to write some short essays for a book addressing technology from a Christian perspective. In the entry on computers, I explained that just because a computer made some action...

Listen
1792682265 6ada2919d3742
October 22, 2026
Kerby Anderson

Fewer Men in the Workforce

Last month I talked about the decreasing number of young men in the labor force. Kyle Becker adds some additional insight into why women outnumber men in the workforce. For example, during a strugglin...

Listen

Take Action

View All
Protect Privacy Against Flock Cameras
August 9, 2026

Protect Privacy Against Flock Cameras

Flock cameras are everywhere. While one camera is a tool, the more than 100,000 AI-powered cameras now posted around our nation are a new layer of dig...

Support the SAVE Act
July 20, 2026

Support the SAVE Act

SAVE Election Integrity with Voter ID.

Support the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act
April 15, 2026

Support the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act

The abortion pill harms women and kills unborn children. Congress must act.

FACE Act Repeal Act of 2025
January 12, 2026

FACE Act Repeal Act of 2025

Pro-lifers have been abused under the FACE Act for long enough.