Generation Me By Julia O'Gallagher

Let's face it, our generation is way more selfish than the one before us. What happened to spending time with family and taking pictures just for souvenirs? 30 years ago the concept of a selfie didn't exist, today that's all we hear about. Some of the products we use these days seem to suggest being self-centered. Being self-centered doesn't lead anywhere, it only shuts you out from reality.

You might think I'm crazy for saying this but, kids these days have it made. Teenagers especially, are often way too caught up in there own lives to care about others and what goes on around them. You'll notice that lots of people our age don't pay attention to what goes on around them. They're too busy updating their Facebook status or checking how many likes their picture got on Instagram. The most common devices around us also seem to have an effect on us: iPods, iPads, iPhones, etc. The name says it all. Even songs we listen to have lyrics are less and less inclusive. They have been studied and they contain more "I" and "me" in them than "you" and "us". If these facts don't say selfish, what does?

The next thing I want to talk about is our generation's attitude towards others. We don't say thank you to bus drivers, cashiers or teachers. We don't hold the door for the person behind us and we act without thinking about how it will affect others. I have seen this so many times since I have been at school: "But, I have the right to do this" students say this all the time to teachers or other adults when they get in trouble. You might have the right to do something stupid but, you really don't have to. Not saying "thank you" can make you look too self-centered to care anything or anyone besides yourself. Not holding the door for the next person can also give people around you the feeling that you don't care. What do you do? Do you ignore others or do you thank them for what they have done for you?

To finish off, our generation is selfish, rude and can be ungrateful. Instead of the "I" in iPod, why not use "we"? All I want to say is to take off your earphones and look up from your phones. Share a smile and say "thanks". Just that could make someone's day.