Empathy

To be empathetic is to show an ability to understand and share the feelings of another. The development of empathy is crucially important in compassionate behaviour and forming healthy relationships. Some might even say that empathy is the backbone of kindness in society: keeping individuals from different cultures, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages and genders connected with one another. Nonetheless in the past 4 decades researchers have concluded a significant decrease in empathy. The average college student’s likelihood to be empathetic in 2009 decreased by 75% in comparison to those in 1979. Join me in this article as we explore empathy in our world today.

Digitalisation and Social Media’s impact on empathy

The role of social media in society’s empathy today can be viewed in two polarly different lights: as an empathy eroding tool or as an empathy building asset.

Research in America has shown an inverse relationship between empathy and high social media usage. One probable contribution to this phenomenon is the ability to hide behind a screen. As social media becomes ingrained in our daily routines, a majority of us can find ourselves participating in more online discussions rather than in person discussions. Being able to “hide behind a screen” on the other side of the internet can allow individuals to express themselves without feeling the need to care what others think. This method of expression may also encourage users to convey hurtful comments without feeling the accountability of their actions. These forms of interactions would potentially lead to less empathic individuals as people are not communicating face to face with one another. The lack of face to face communication discourages the practice in reading another person’s emotional expressions.

On the contrary, research on young adults in other parts of the globe show a positive correlation between social media usage and empathetic feelings. One plausible cause for this adversity is the cultural difference in the usage of social media. Observations have been made regarding the content posted amongst American populations and European populations: social media posts in America tend to be of personal achievements and in a self-focused manner in comparison to other countries. Hence the regularity of self-focused content posting can mean that individuals inhabit less empathetic behaviour. However, using social media with a different approach with intent for fostering connections and social bonds could potentially better one’s empathetic skills.

With the digitalisation of the world, we are able to connect with people faster and further. Though this is a revolutionary tool that has become essential in our everyday lives, it has come with a rather isolating aspect.

The empathy of Gen Z

One fascinating idea to explore is the empathetic nature of Generation Z. Often described as entitled, many may think our generation lacks the basic empathy one should feel. However, I personally believe our generation has one of the greatest senses of empathy.

Born in the information era with the internet at our fingertips, Gen Z is globally connected and aware of every crisis happening in the world. With the ability to access so much information on the many issues of the world ranging from climate to politics, Gen Z stands as a catalyst for change. The idea of “out of sight, out of mind” simply does not apply to the emergencies we witness as we can see and understand the torment others must face.

As posts surrounding these global issues circulate in our daily media, it is almost impossible for one not to take note. Due to this, it has almost become a social expectation to be aware of global events and to be on the right side of history. Through this implementation of information, I believe individuals learn to be more empathetic. We care and share, actively participating in change through protests, boycotting and awareness.

Despite being highly empathetic for those around the world, one recent case has particularly struck my interest. Regardless of the abundance of evidence displaying the dangers and health risks of vaping, it wasn’t enough for Gen Z to quit the unhealthy habit. The last straw for many, was the unethical cobalt mining in Congo. Cobalt is found in rechargeable batteries like the ones in a disposable vape. Not only are the conditions for extraction of this mineral dangerous and toxic, expansion of industrial scale mines are leading to forced evictions and abuse of human rights. After discovering this fact, many Gen Z individuals have taken it upon themselves to quit vaping: expressing an intolerance for using unethically sourced minerals.

Not only does the outcome of this action reflect the empathy of our generation, but it also proposes that Gen Z cares more about others than themselves. This seemingly contradictory circumstance of caring for others but not so much for ourselves may be a reflection of our generation’s upbringing.

As Gen Z, we have been brought up to find sustainable solutions to continue life on earth. Hence, we were born in the age of reusable tote bags, metal straws, and climate protests. Along with this, Gen Z is composed of outspoken individuals who tend to express their thoughts on political views. Thus, it can be seen that the idea of caring has become second nature to us.

In a sense we can ask the question: why does it take the abuse of another individual instead of the abuse of our own health to stop vaping? Many viewpoints can be made to discuss this question, but in particular I believe it has to do with our collective nature. No matter how we deny it, we like to fit in. It is simply a primitive concept: to be part of something and to be accepted and liked amongst our peers. The vaping culture poses no exception. Voluntarily or not we are pressured by those around us to do as everyone else. Hence, when there is change for the good, there is even more reason to follow along.

The future of empathy

Although many may argue that the digitalisation of the world is causing a less empathetic society, I choose to believe differently. I believe that Gen Z can use our strength of being global citizens of the internet to better our understanding of others around the world. To care for others is in our nature and we have proven that time and time again. The need to be a part of something and to be with people will always remain in our human blood, only how we exhibit this may come in different forms as times change.

I do not worry for the empathy of the future, as I can see the care around me amongst my generation. If you have taken anything away from this article, I hope you learn to look for the signs of empathy in your everyday lives.

[Written By Nurrania, Edited By: Nastassja]