"الشباب اليوم يهربون من الحياة الواقعية أكثر من أي وقت مضى"

Kids today, they're more checked out from reality than ever before. Think about it—how often do you see young people glued to their smartphones, completely absorbed in a world of social media, video games, or binge-watching shows? The main idea here is that young people are increasingly avoiding the physical world and diving deep into digital realms. This isn't just an idle observation; it's a phenomenon that's shaping an entire generation's way of interacting with the world.

Historically, every generation has had its own way of escaping reality. In the '60s, it was through rock 'n' roll and the counterculture movement. In the '80s, video games and early computers started to take hold. But today, the sheer pervasiveness of digital escapism is unprecedented. Smartphones, social media platforms, and on-demand entertainment make it easier than ever to tune out of the here and now.

Let's paint a picture. Take Sarah, a 16-year-old high schooler. She wakes up and the first thing she does is check her Instagram. Throughout the day, she’s constantly scrolling through TikTok, Snapchatting friends, and watching YouTube videos. Her evenings are spent in front of a gaming console, immersed in a virtual world where she can be anyone she wants to be. Real-life interactions? Minimal. Physical activity? Rare. Sarah’s life is a constant stream of digital engagement, leaving little room for real-world experiences.

So, how do we tackle this? First, it's about setting boundaries. Establish tech-free zones or times—maybe during family dinners or before bedtime. Encourage young people to pick up hobbies that don’t involve screens, like playing a sport, reading a book, or learning to cook. It's also crucial to lead by example. If you’re constantly on your phone, it’s hard to convince a teenager to put theirs down.

Here’s a relatable scenario to drive this home. Imagine you’re in a café, grabbing a coffee. At the next table, there's a group of friends, all around 18-19 years old. Instead of chatting and laughing, they’re each on their phones, barely looking up. You see Sarah among them. She seems disengaged, almost lost in her screen. Now, imagine her parents had encouraged her to join a community sports team when she was younger. She might be chatting about the latest game instead of scrolling through TikTok.

Think about how different things could be. Instead of living vicariously through curated posts and virtual achievements, Sarah could be creating real memories and relationships. It’s all about balance—enjoying the benefits of technology without letting it consume every waking moment.

In essence, while today’s youth are more prone to escape into digital worlds, there’s a way to bring them back. By setting boundaries, encouraging real-life activities, and leading by example, we can help them find a healthier balance. So next time you put down your own phone, think about how you can help the younger generation do the same. After all, the real world has so much to offer—sometimes, you just need to look up to see it.