I Wonder…

Are teens spending too much time focusing on the future and not enough time focusing on the now?

Teens do homework now, so they can get a diploma later.
Teens go to school now, so they can get a good job later.
Teens get a job now, to save money for later.
Teens go to church now, so they don’t leave the church later.
Teens modify their behavior now, so they can be productive members of society later.
Teens abstain from sex now, so that they can have better sex later.
Teens manage their finances now, so they aren’t in debt later.

Current society raises teens for “someday” but doesnt raises them for today.

The problem with this is that many teens aren’t able to fully comprehend “later”. It’s too abstract of an idea. Therefore, the things they’re doing now become less important.

What would change in teen culture if they were expected to focus more on the present than the future? Example: What if they got a job today because it could make a difference in their life today?