A letter to mum and dad

Dear Mum and Dad, 

I just thought I’d write and give you a little update from the frontlines of modern life because honestly, the world looks nothing like it did when you were my age. I’m not saying your generation rode dinosaurs to work… but things have definitely changed. 

The online world 

For starters, communication has gone from handwritten letters and landlines to voice notes, texts, and video calls. We send emojis and hope the other person “gets the vibe.” Now if someone doesn’t respond to a text within 3 minutes, we assume they’ve been kidnapped. Today, technology has completely reshaped the way we live, everything is faster and communication happens instantly.  

Social media has become a central part of how people connect and express themselves. However, it has also created a world of competition and jealousy within many individuals. Also, the internet is now considered a full-time job. People are out here making money by filming themselves unpacking boxes or dancing in their kitchens. You can no longer go on Instagram without someone trying to sell you skincare, vitamins or a new life hack.  

A rising awareness of mental health 

On the plus side, mental health is finally being talked about. Therapy is widely used and offered across the country by the NHS. People post about their anxiety the way you guys used to talk about sports scores or what was on TV. It’s actually refreshing, even if it sometimes feels like everyone’s a part-time self-help coach now. Now, in Hitchin we have some amazing, supportive charities such as GRIT.  

Thank you, parents, for reading this letter, I hope you’ve learned about the world that we are currently living in.