By CLINTON OBIERO,
Fourth Year Student, Chuka University
In today’s fast-paced world, young people are often portrayed as bold, outspoken and energetic. When I look keenly beneath the surface, many youths quietly avoid complex activities such as long-term relationships or serious discussions about intricate issues like politics, governance, or the economy. The question can just be "why?"
One reason lies in the fear of responsibility. Relationships, for example, demand emotional commitment, sacrifice, and maturity in an age where freedom, self-discovery, and career-building dominate youth culture. Many feel like relationships may tie them down or add unnecessary pressure. Instead, they prefer casual friendships or connections that don’t demand much emotional labour.
Another factor is the instant gratification of their mindset that has become common in the digital era. Social media platforms offer fast, entertaining, and less demanding interactions, which young people to expect simplicity.
Complex conversations, whether about politics, climate change, or even personal struggles, seem too slow and draining compared to the endless scroll of memes, trends, and viral challenges.
There is also a sense of disillusionment. Many youths believe that engaging in serious matters changes little. After all, they see leaders ignore citizen voices, relationships collapse despite effort, and society moves on despite protests or intellectual debates.
This perception of futility makes them choose silence or detachment over active participation.
Mental health pressures further play a role, how? With rising rates of stress, depression, and anxiety, many young people are already juggling heavy emotional burdens. This is by adding complex activities in terms of maintaining a serious relationship or debating intricate issues which can feel overwhelming choose peace of mind over complexity.
However, avoiding complexity comes at a cost. Relationships helps in shaping emotional intelligence, while engaging in tough discussions builds critical thinking towards leadership. Without these, the youth risk becoming a generation skilled in avoiding problems rather than solving them.
Yet, all hope is not lost. Across universities, community forums, and digital platforms, some young voices are stepping forward challenging stereotypes, forming meaningful bonds, and leading debates on issues that affect their future.
Perhaps what the youth need is not more blame, but safer spaces where they can learn and experiment things which focus on growth without fear of failure.
After having a number of discussions in my TikTok live talks with my fellow youths, I noticed that the avoidance is less about laziness and more about a search for balance.
Today’s youth crave simplicity not because they cannot handle complexity, but because they are still learning how to carry it.
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