Abstract:
Society has certainly changed over the last few decades. However, certain changes have made it
difficult for young people to live, mature, and even find purpose in their lives. Significant
research has been done which proves the negative impacts that technology and the digital age
have had on the cognitive development and social rearing of young people. The current collegeage generation displays signs of three dangerous habits: self-obsession, instant gratification, and
a lack of purpose. I call these the modern plagues, and as a member of the college-age
generation, my goal is to shine the spotlight on some of the many ways which society is
threatening the humanity of its future leaders and generations. My thesis argues that these three
plagues are extremely prevalent among students in college and that they are only being
exacerbated by the college experience. Students are going to classes which break down their
beliefs and convictions, but nothing is given to them to rebuild their life and purpose. There are
many challenges which college students face, yet the foundation and source of nearly all the
problems specific to their generation can be explained by analyzing the three plagues. College
students are consumed by self-obsession, addicted to instant gratification, and plagued by a lack
of purpose. However, understanding what these students are up against and how society
facilitates these problems is the first step to creating an environment where students can grow
rather than one that prolongs their childhood.
