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‘Generation Isolation’: Tech, COVID-19 contribute to decline in youths’ social skills


Experts in the UAE have sounded the alarm bell on the emergence of what is being referred to as the ‘Generation Isolation’. The new cohort, characterized by their limited face-to-face social interactions, is being driven to the forefront by a perfect storm of technological advancements, remote work preferences and the enduring aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This, warn experts, could lead to potential long-term consequences in terms of social skills and emotional well-being.

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Experts have also pointed towards the rise of social media as the catalyst for this seismic shift.

The younger generation is now more likely to be found glued to their screens, engaging in electronic conversations, rather than making real-world connections. Worryingly, they said this digital tethering seems to be linked to an alarming surge in mental health issues among youngsters.

Dr Elizabeth Aizlewood, a Clinical Psychologist at the Aspris Wellbeing Centre in Dubai, has articulated the concept of Generation Isolation as a subset of the population that has been deeply impacted by an increasing reliance on technology for various aspects of life.

The pandemic, combined with cultural changes favoring virtual interactions, has accentuated this shift away from face-to-face engagements.

Dr Aizlewood explained: “Prolonged isolation and limited face-to-face interactions may hinder the development of essential social skills, particularly in children and adolescents.”

The consequences of this transition are multifold, said Dr Aizlewood, who emphasizes that the capacity to decode facial expressions, interpret body language and navigate intricate social situations is cultivated only through real-world interactions.

Consequently, the lack of such experiences may lead to feelings of disconnection, loneliness, and even identity crisis.

“Social connections and relationships hold the key to human well-being,” Dr Aizlewood highlighted. “When exposed to prolonged isolation, we may miss out on these essential aspects of human connection, leading to feelings of loneliness.”

She further explained: “The impact of Generation Isolation is being highlighted by research demonstrating that the ‘Gen Z’ demographic is reporting higher levels of loneliness and isolation and we know from a vast body of research that isolation and lack of social connection have been linked to an array of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and increased stress.”

Dr. Saman Khan, a Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Aspris Wellbeing Centre, underscored the lasting effects of the pandemic on the mental health of the younger generation. Dr Khan pointed to speech and language delays, developmental challenges, anxiety, depression and eating disorders among the youth.

“More young people are presenting with anxiety, depression and eating disorders. They are struggling to get back control over their lives that they lost during COVID-19 by exhibiting more OCD [obsessive-compulsive disorder] and eating disorder symptoms – trying to gain back some control in their socially disrupted lives.”

Dr Khan further said: “Social anxiety has also increased among children where they weren’t able to develop the complex social rules that young people [had to earlier] navigate through experience.”

The prevalence of social media further exacerbates these issues, with unrealistic standards leading to feelings of inadequacy and social anxiety.

“There was a sharp rise in internet use during the pandemic, which has not come down to pre-pandemic levels. The false images of ‘perfect bodies’ and snapshots of people’s social lives impact the young developing minds of teenagers who feel the need to appear perfect and become disillusioned that there is something wrong with them and hence why are not part of the social scene.”

Dr Khan observed: “It will take a whole community approach to manage the unrealistic expectations that social media has created and also to teach our children and young people how to socialise again.”

Echoing these concerns, Dr Barjis Sulthana, a Psychiatry expert at NMC, emphasized the repercussions of Generation Isolation that are already evident in clinical settings.

He has noted an increase in anxiety and depression, particularly among the younger demographic, in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Dr Sulthana also highlighted the potential for unhealthy lifestyles, including obesity and metabolic disorders, to take root in the absence of regular social interactions.

Addressing the way forward, experts suggest a multifaceted approach that prioritizes re-engaging in group activities, fostering communication skills and reducing screen time.

“Encouraging participation in group activities, teaching communication skills and fostering curiosity from childhood” are strategies outlined by Dr. Sulthana.

Furthermore, promoting self-regulated screen time is recommended to mitigate the negative impacts of excessive technology use, these experts said.

Read more:

TikTok ‘thinspiration’ videos contribute to eating disorders among UAE teens: Experts

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Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi meets with CEOs of leading Norwegian companies

H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has met with a group of CEOs from leading Norwegian companies, as part of their participation in the UAE-Norway Investment Forum, held alongside his official visit to the Kingdom of Norway.

During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed underscored the UAE leadership’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with its international partners.

He highlighted that investment in innovation and knowledge is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development, noting that enhancing collaboration with Norwegian companies across key sectors will open new avenues for mutual economic growth between the two countries.

The UAE-Norway Investment Forum, taking place in Oslo, aimed to highlight available investment opportunities and strengthen trade relations between the UAE and Norway, fostering shared interests and supporting innovation and knowledge-based economic visions.

-wam

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At the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS inaugurates 10th global office, releases four books

As part of its Asian research tour, partnership with Aletihad News Center, and
primary sponsorship of the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS
Research & Advisory inaugurated its office in Jakarta, marking its 10th location
worldwide. It also released four books in Indonesian.
The inauguration event was attended by ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, and
Jordan to Indonesia, chairpersons of the UAE and Indonesian Publishers’
Associations, the Director of TRENDS’ Jakarta office, and a group of researchers
and academics.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS
Research & Advisory, stated that TRENDS’ international offices—set to reach 15
by the end of 2024—aim to enhance the Center’s research efforts and deepen its
role in disseminating knowledge, thus serving as a global knowledge bridge.
He emphasized, “At TRENDS, we believe in the importance of cooperation
between think tanks and prioritize this endeavor. We believe the TRENDS office in
Jakarta will enhance the exchange of knowledge and ideas between think tanks in
Asia and the Middle East, opening new horizons for collaboration in various
fields.”

Four books in Indonesian
As part of the Jakarta office’s inaugural activities, four books were released in
Indonesian, including the 11th and 12th books of the Muslim Brotherhood
Encyclopedia and Global Trends in AI and Automation and the Future of
Competition between Man and Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision.

Hostility to Arab states
The 11th book of the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia, The Concept of the State
According to the Muslim Brotherhood, highlights its hostile stance toward Arab
states since its inception. The group views them as an obstacle to its ascent to
power. It opposed the modern principles upon which these states were built,
considering them incompatible with the group’s unique interpretation of Islam,
which it claimed to embody exclusively.

Exclusion of nonconformists
The 12th book, The Muslim Brotherhood: Rejection of Tolerance and Exclusion of
Nonconformists, examines the Muslim Brotherhood’s stance towards
nonconformists, individuals, and entities. The book reveals the group’s binary view
of the world, categorizing others as allies or adversaries. It ties these relationships
to the Brotherhood’s internal power struggles and self-serving interests.

Global Trends in AI
The third book, Global Trends in AI, explores significant developments in AI and
its impact on various aspects of life, including the economy, society, and
governance. It also offers a comprehensive analysis of technological advancements
in AI, its applications across sectors, the ethical and social challenges it presents,
and its future trajectory.

Automation

The fourth book, Automation and the Future of Competition between Man and
Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision, addresses the growing challenges
faced by the human workforce in the face of widespread automation and AI
applications. The book concludes that while automation presents a significant
challenge to the labor market, it simultaneously creates new opportunities. It
emphasizes the importance of preparing for this shift through skills development,
continuous education, and adopting economic and social policies that support the
workforce.

Prominent pavilion and active presence
The TRENDS’ pavilion at the Indonesia International Book Fair has attracted
numerous visitors, including academic researchers and officials, such as the
ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and Turkey. Additionally,
chairpersons of Arab and Indonesian publishers’ associations, authors, publishers,
and students visited the pavilion. All were impressed with and praised TRENDS’ diverse, valuable publications. They also commended TRENDS’ active
international presence and ability to address global developments with rigorous
analytical research.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali honored the esteemed guests, including
ambassadors of the UAE and Bahrain to Indonesia, Wedha Startesti Yudha,
Chairperson of the Indonesia International Book Fair Committee, Arys Hilman
Nugraha, Chairman of the Indonesian Publishers Association, and others,
presenting them with TRENDS’ publications and commemorative shields.
Additionally, he awarded TRENDS’ Research Medal to Ni Made Ayu Martini
Indonesian Deputy Minister of Marketing, Tourism and Creative Economy
It is worth noting that during its current Asian research tour, TRENDS announced
the launch of the TRENDS Research Medal, awarded to individuals who make
significant contributions to the development of scientific research and promote collaboration with TRENDS in strengthening a culture of research across various fields.

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US determined to prevent full-scale war in Middle East, Joe Biden tells UNGA79

US President Joe Biden highlighted the US Administration’s determination to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire Middle East region, noting that a diplomatic solution “remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes on the border safely”.

In remarks he made today before the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), the US President said, “Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest,” adding that a diplomatic solution is still possible.

He also touched on “the rise of violence against innocent Palestinians on the West Bank”, and the need to “set the conditions for a better future”, which he said featured “a two-state solution, where the world — where Israel enjoys security and peace and full recognition and normalised relations with all its neighbours, where Palestinians live in security, dignity, and self-determination in a state of their own”.

President Biden underscored the ceasefire and hostage deal put forth by Qatar and Egypt, which the UN Security Council endorsed. He said, “Now is the time for the parties to finalise its terms, bring the hostages home,” adding that this would help ease the suffering in Gaza, and end the war.

-WAM

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