Contemporary “junk” values, i.e. the needs of the modern world.
In today's society, we often talk about so-called "junk values", or what people start to put on a pedestal, even though it does not bring long-term satisfaction or deeper meaning. These values often focus on materialism, quick success and superficial forms of self-fulfilment. Instead of striving to develop relationships, knowledge or spirituality, modern man more often directs his attention to short-term pleasures and social recognition, mainly on the Internet.
What was important to us back then?
Twenty years ago, the values that people valued were in many cases similar to those that are important today, but there were some differences resulting from the socio-cultural and technological context of the time. Society operated in a different reality – with less influence of social media and modern technologies, which significantly influenced priorities. The most frequently mentioned values were: family, love, friendship, health.
What values are mentioned today, especially by the young generation?
Today, young people, especially Generation Z (born after 1995) and Millennials (born in the 1980s and 1990s), have slightly different priorities and values than previous generations. The world they grew up in has changed under the influence of technology, globalization, and growing social awareness. The most common themes in surveys are: authenticity, equality and social justice, freedom, independence, passion, and self-fulfillment.
And what are “junk values”?
These are primarily values related to immediate gratification and superficial aspects of life. Examples include the pursuit of wealth, recognition, external attractiveness, or constant comparison with others via social media. These values are fleeting and usually do not contribute to inner development or lasting happiness, but cause frustration and lower self-esteem.
The most frequently mentioned junk values include: recognition, fame, wealth, recognized social status, and quick and uncompromising achievement of goals.
Where did that come from?
There are many reasons for this shift. Social media is a major contributor to promoting a lifestyle based on instant approval and comparison to others. Consumer culture emphasizes what we have, not who we are. The pressure to succeed, which we feel from a young age, leads many to focus on material results, rather than on meaningful experiences and relationships.
The adherence to “junk” values can have far-reaching and negative consequences both at the individual and societal level, and also affect subsequent generations. What can they lead to? What can be the effects and consequences?
- Deterioration of mental health
- The cultivation of values such as materialism, striving for external perfection, fame or constant competition often leads to mental health problems. Constant comparisons with others, the pursuit of social status and the pressure to achieve success "at all costs" can lead to burnout, depression, anxiety and a sense of emptiness. For future generations, this may mean that mental health will be increasingly at risk, and young people will struggle with emotional instability.
- Shallow interpersonal relationships
The cult of superficiality and the focus on external attributes such as appearance, status or the number of "likes" can lead to the disappearance of deep, authentic interpersonal relationships. In subsequent generations, this can result in difficulties in building lasting relationships based on trust and support, as well as an increased sense of loneliness, despite the apparent social life on social media.
- The development of a culture of instant gratification
Junk values such as instant gratification and consumerism contribute to the development of a society that tends to avoid effort, patience, and long-term planning. If future generations are driven by the desire for quick results and easy solutions, this can lead to less resilience to adversity, as well as a lack of problem-solving skills and stress management in the long term.
- The decline of moral and ethical values
When a society emphasizes external achievements and material success at the expense of ethics, honesty, and respect for others, there is a risk of moral values disappearing. In subsequent generations, this can result in increased selfishness, a lack of responsibility for the common good, and deepening social divisions. Values such as empathy, cooperation, and solidarity can be weakened.
- Consumerist lifestyle and environmental degradation
The cult of consumption and materialism, which is one of the main junk values, leads to excessive consumption of natural resources, overproduction of waste and environmental degradation. If these values continue to dominate, future generations will have to face serious ecological crises, which will affect their quality of life and global stability.
- Weakening of the sense of meaning and fulfillment
The pursuit of superficial values such as fame, wealth, or status can lead to a loss of a deeper sense of meaning in life. The lack of pursuit of authentic personal development and passion can leave future generations feeling lost, searching for meaning in places that do not provide it. This can result in increased cynicism, frustration, and a sense of existential emptiness.
- Growing social polarization
Following junk values, such as competition for status and wealth, can lead to greater social divisions. Successive generations may be divided into groups with increasing wealth differences, which will generate social and political tensions. As a result, marginalized groups may be excluded, and society will become less cohesive.
- The development of the "culture of superficiality"
The domination of life by social media and the pursuit of recognition based on external attributes can lead to the creation of a so-called "culture of superficiality," where values such as authenticity, honesty, and deep reflection are marginalized. The next generations may be more focused on image than on the actual value of their actions, which will weaken the importance of long-term development.
- Saving emotions and empathy
The cult of success, instant gratification and consumerism can lead to a loss of empathy and an increase in social indifference. Young people raised in such a value system may be less involved in pro-social, charitable or supporting activities, which will negatively affect social development and the well-being of the community.
The adherence to junk values leads to short-term satisfaction, but in the long term it brings negative consequences, such as poor mental health, shallow relationships, environmental degradation and weakening of moral values. Future generations may suffer from a lack of meaning, increased social polarization and a loss of empathy, which will negatively affect their personal development and the cohesion and stability of society.
To avoid this, it is necessary to promote authentic, lasting values that build true happiness and fulfillment.
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