1. Slang and style

The thing about the youth today is that half the things they say cannot be found in the modern dictionary. Have you ever heard the expression “pre-game”, “lit” or “gucci?”

Pre-game in the understanding of today’s generation would mean getting tipsy or close to drunk at a cheap place before going to the club or party.

The word “lit” simply means amazing, cool, or great.

“Gucci” means good.

As the older generation comes to realize that the youth today speaks quicker and weirder, the youth should not be ostracized for being unique. Consequently, the youth should also understand that the older generation has no need to learn such slangs. The youth should not treat the older generation with less respect just because they refuse to learn these things.

Another aspect of youth culture is the way they dress. The common style usually changes within a few months. But there is a mutual understanding that there is no single universal style.

In today’s generation whatever feels good for you is not necessarily the style of choice. We come to this realization when looking at social media personalities and celebrities. What they wear becomes the standard of what defines style and those that do not follow in suite are labeled as old fashion.

Because in today’s generation there is a constant need to “fit in,” the opinions of others become more important. This is true in life and true in regards to the clothes they wear.

2. Old traditions and a rebel attitude

The youth of today do not adhere to most of the things the past offers. This is especially true when it comes to the traditions and norms that their predecessors follow. Much to the surprise of many adults, they see more and more youth becoming more rebellious. This is attested towards the need to break the metaphorical cage that tradition imprisons them in. If you were to tell the older generation of this, they would simply jeer at the idea. Putting it aside because they feel nothing is wrong with their ways.

Lately the youth have discovered that you cannot solve the problems of today by relying on the solutions of yesterday. Yes, the old traditions are worth noting but to trust in them solely would be ill advised. The youth cannot depend on the old traditions because, much like life, everything keeps changing. The problems they face, the decisions they make and even the success they achieve are different. If the youth does not accept these changes, they will most likely be carried away by the torrent of the world.

3. Opinionated and informed

In today’s day and age, there is not much we do not know. And even with the things that escape us, we can immediately look up the information with a tap and a swipe.

The youth of today digest information within minutes when events transpire. From sports to politics, everything is laid bare for practically everyone. The problem however, is that the youth has not experienced enough of life to have acquired proper discernment.

An upside to this “age of information” is that much of the young people today are very open-minded, they can speak for themselves and their knowledge is not limited by their age.

But with open-mindedness comes opinions. While it is true that everyone has the right to have an opinion, however the right to be heard is not absolute. Opinions sometimes come at a price. When they voice it in public or in social media, misplaced bravado may lead to untold consequences. And, when they starts throwing opinions, this could damage another’s reputation – which is sometimes of little concern to them.

4. Pride and privilege

The youth are known to be innovative and brave. This dauntless attitude is due to the lack of failure they have experienced. They are headstrong and reckless; they chase after opportunity and work until they achieve success.

But, we cannot help but see that there are some that have lost the will to achieve greatness and have chosen to depend on the accomplishments of their predecessors. Though this is not entirely their fault; part of the blame goes to their forbearers as well. The hardships that the past generations faced, the hardships that molded them into self-made successes are deliberately being removed. Unknowingly causing more harm than good. Today’s youth have such luxurious lifestyles. Cellphones and cars, maids and drivers, televisions and tutors; these little luxuries not only destroy their creative minds, it downplays the effort and hard work it takes to have these things.

The youth puff their chest up and boldly shout that they are somebody. The pride they so much enjoy is never backed up by feats that garner a person’s respect.

So why would this be bad? Well to put into perspective, they are so used to getting things handed down to them they do not understand how much work is hard work. They lack the initiative and the necessary respect the older generation normally show.

The youth also hates criticism; whether it is constructive or creative, criticism hurts their pride. They would rather act like a fool than be told what is right or wrong.

5. Trends and a hasty attitude

There are numerous trends that have manifested over the years. This is not something new as trends have the tendency of changing; that is why they are called trends.

But in today’s generation, the trends do not even last months before something new arrives. The youth of today move at such a quick pace that everything seems to change within seconds. From the viewpoint of technology, to music, to games, and even to people of interest, there does not seem to be anything that this generation view as worth their time.

The older generation however, has no need to adapt or learn these new trends. But, this fact is also true in regards to the church. The youth will not stay if they are made to observe the trends of the older generations. There is no shortage of churches that offer better incentives, better ministerial work and better “experiences.”

Another aspect that the older generation must learn about the youth is their hasty nature. Though this is not prevalent in all the youth, some if not most have this tendency. The youth today are always in a rush, from the food they eat, to the conversations they have and even the work that they do. Though some may object to the work part, but it is not always in haste that good work abounds. The youth works fast regardless of the quality of it.

The youth of today are also quick to speak, reacting towards everything before taking the bigger picture into account. They also have this extremely haughty air to them, always being so quick-witted in correcting others that it becomes sarcastic and insulting. This particular attitude has not only taken root in the youth today but it continues to spread. Patience must truly be practiced when we are to speak to the younger generations.[:]