Free-write OpEd

Twenty minutes of writing. Here we go.

There are plenty of issues in the world today to write about. But, after a lot of thinking, (Aka, staring at a blank page) I think I've found something which affects everyone in this crazy, modern-day world: technology. More specifically, whether or not having so much of it has ruined childhood.

The idea for this topic came from 90’s nostalgia, something that is applicable to a lot of students at BYU. Nostalgia and pride for being born in the 90's is all over the internet. Whats the big deal? Why are we so proud that we happened to grow up at a time with moon shoes and tamagotchi pets? 

Somewhere I heard that the reason 90's kids are so nostalgic is that we were alive for transition from "good old days" of playing outside to the tech-consumed world which we now live in. We feel special because we feel like the last generation to ever experience a 'simpler' and 'better' time. But, is this really true? Are 90's kids right to say that their childhood is better? 

My instinct, at least, says yes. Some of my best memories are playing in backyards, climbing trees or having giant neighborhood water balloon fights. Don't get me wrong–I played my fair share of video games growing up. I loved them. I mean, who doesn't love a good game of Mario Cart? However, I find it weird to see some of my cousins begging to play games on the I-Pad every five seconds. 

People argue that the new generation's childhood is just different and not necessarily worse than our own. Still, I can't help but think that there is a line. I don't think an overload of technology can replace the real life experiences which are so valuable to young kids. Though I don't necessarily think we should idolize the 90's the way we do, I do think the new generation has lost something valuable which we should try to get back.