By being more aware of the world, millennials show more tolerance and inclusiveness
In this technology-driven age, information sharing has become a way of life. In my opinion, most millennials are not conservative but more open-minded and try to be inclusive. However, it is difficult to generalise because each individual comes with his or her own ideas, experiences, thoughts and learning.
I deal with children from varying financial strata, so when it comes to financial habits, what affects them is what is being presented at home and being discussed in terms of money management. For example, if a child is given limited pocket money, then he/she is naturally more careful in spending and tends to save for a rainy day. You will be surprised at how different the student’s perspective can be.
I don’t see a polarisation of views, I see people being more accepting, especially since they have lived here in the UAE and socialised with different cultures.
Also, it has a lot to do with the UAE and the kind of tolerance that is shown here. Maybe because of all of these factors, they internalise more tolerant behaviours.
The same person may behave differently in another set-up.
People are constantly exposed to information through various platforms, unlike previous generations. This makes them much more aware of the world, be it from a political, financial, ecological or social perspective.
The crises and the challenges we are going through, irrespective of geographic location, increasingly impact each and every one of us. Every social network, to a greater or lesser degree, is now a news platform.
Most people share pictures, inspirational stories, personal anecdotes, political opinions or satire and witty jokes on Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, Snapchat etc. The obsession of wanting to look good due to today’s ‘selfie culture’ fosters discontent in some people who think they are not good enough.
I know students who deactivate their digital accounts because it bogs them down and in some cases, the posts make them feel isolated and disconnected in spite of all the connectivity! From Ms Rema Menon V. Founder and director of a counselling centre based in Dubai