Being nonchalant has ruined Gen Z. It has limited interpersonal communication, ruined relationships and hindered adolescents’ ability to build identity.

The word nonchalant means being careless or indifferent, and emphasizes not trying, which hinders learning. Being nonchalant has negatively affected the classes that students enjoy. Many people align themselves with “hating all classes,” and refuse to do work to show a lack of caring. This boxes students in, forcing them to conform to the norm of performing poorly.

Along with educational downsides, nonchalance encourages social shortcomings. Rather than feeling comfortable with who they are, many individuals develop self-confidence issues, refusing to show compassion for anything out of fear of judgment. Being seen as outgoing is no longer viewed as brave but as cringe worthy.

With the rise of social media, constant recording or the fear of being recorded can restrict teens’ choices. Many teens already find themselves with low self-esteem due to hormonal shifts. Nonchalance has only worsened this issue. Rather than putting themselves out there, students cut off the joy of connection.

Many teens also refuse to take risks, which is necessary in brain development. Whether it be asking someone out or being willing to do something they’re not already good at, risks can help self-confidence, curiosity and dopamine activation.

But where did the nonchalance epidemic come from? It’s a combination of two things. First, the agreed-upon set of norms, beliefs and practices a society uses to nullify threats. Second, the overall desensitization of society. The uptick in violence on social media has risen dramatically over the last few years, as the algorithm does not care about its users’ mental health, prioritizing monetary gain instead. Graphic and extreme videos are used to bait user engagement. Over time, this causes viewers to become accustomed to violence and to display a lack of empathy, contributing to a dry or emotionless social environment.

Although being nonchalant can seem cool and the norm, it is not worth sacrificing genuine emotion for. Go take risks. Try out for that play or sport. Be friendly with new people. Most of all, show true feelings. Reject nonchalance, and instead, be your authentic self.