[JohnFen]

I agree. To put it another way, social media feeds the narcissist in each of us -- it's inward-focused -- when what we really need both as a society and individually to to be outward-focused.

Individuals naturally feel that they are the most important person in the world. We are all the heroes of our own stories, after all, and experientially, the universe literally seems to revolve around us. We'd be better off engaging in activities that remind us that none of that is actually the case, and caring for others is an obvious way to do that.

I think it's also why a very effective way of countering depression is to help others in a meaningful way.

[gottorf]

At the risk of sounding very much "kids these days", the concept of service seems to no longer be high on people's priorities. There's an art of making yourself better by making yourself small first and taking care of others.

[diarrhea]

That’s why I think the whole “self-care” and “love yourself” movement, if it can be called that, is actually subtly but genuinely dangerous.

[eastof]

I've seen many use these ideas as a justification to cut anyone out of their lives because they did work for them. Eventually, they lose all sense of purpose as they no longer have anyone to care for (and care for them) and they end up sinking even further into their depression.

[rootusrootus]

I don't think that sounds much like kids these days. If anything, it seems like kids are leaning back towards service now, and it's the older generations that are more cynical, nihilist, and dismissive of service as a priority. I say that as a Gen Xer.

[JohnFen]

I tend to agree, based on what I personally see. I wonder if part of the reason why is that they are entering a world in full crisis, and service toward others becomes an essential survival skill when dealing with crisis.

(I'm also a Gen-Xer)

[harlanji]

There's something Biblical about elders helping lift up the youth and dysfunctional about them continuing to compete as they are today. I can't speak for prior times, but it seems like for at least a generation or two each generation got more wealthy and invented the concept of retirement.

Karma doesn't always hit right away. The older generations who didn't lift up their kids will hit old age and be taken care of by someone--their poor/rightfully resentful kids or help hired with their kids' would-be inheritance.

There seems to be an assumption that the government is there to help and programs are in place, ready to save anyone who wants to be saved at the snap of a finger. As a person who's 5 years homeless (working, college educated) the only real help I get is from employers giving me opportunities to work for above minimum wage at times and customers who tip generously for good service.

There is a facet of service to others in a cash flow based religion, oddly enough. Allegedly even horses feel good after a day of hard work for a kind boss/keeper.

(/Millennial)

[JohnFen]

To be perfectly honest, I don't think that's a "kids these days" sort of thing. The concept of service has rarely been high on people's priorities outside of a major crisis or being part of a social group that values it highly and enforces it through peer pressure.