Category: Features

  • The Journey to a Healthy Lifestyle

    The Journey to a Healthy Lifestyle

    {Photo courtesy of Pinterest}

     

    By Sharon Victoria

     

    In a world filled with convenience and instant gratification, the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle often takes a backseat. However, the significance of maintaining good health cannot be overstated. A healthy lifestyle is not a one-time accomplishment but a continuous journey that requires dedication, discipline, and self-compassion.

    In this age of information, we are bombarded with countless diets, exercise routines, and wellness trends that promise quick results. While these may offer short-term fixes, they often lead to disappointment and frustration. The key to a healthy lifestyle lies in finding balance and making gradual, manageable changes.

    Rather than following the latest trend, let’s shift our focus to building habits that nourish our bodies and minds. This starts with a good diet that includes nutritious foods Instead of restrictive diets. We should always listen to our bodies. What works for one person might not work for another. Embracing this individuality is crucial on our journey to better health.

    Exercise is another essential aspect of a healthy lifestyle, but it doesn’t have to involve extreme workouts or training. Engaging in physical activities that we genuinely enjoy can make all the difference. Whether it’s dancing, hiking, swimming, or yoga, finding pleasure in movement will help us stay consistent and motivated.

    Equally important is prioritizing mental health. Stress due to either work, school or life can accumulate, impacting both our mental and physical health. Taking time to unwind, practice mindfulness, or pursuing hobbies can contribute to overall well-being.

    A healthy lifestyle. This belief can be discouraging when we stumble or face setbacks. Instead of being overly critical, let’s embrace self-compassion. We are human, after all, and it’s natural to experience ups and downs. The key is to acknowledge our imperfections and keep moving forward, learning and growing along the way.

    In conclusion, a healthy lifestyle doesn’t require perfection and doesn’t happen instantly.it’s a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth. Let’s prioritize balance, nourishment, and mental well-being.

  • The Maandamano Long-Term Effects on Democracy and Social Cohesion

    The Maandamano Long-Term Effects on Democracy and Social Cohesion

    {Photo courtesy of Nairobi News}

     

    By Sharon Victoria

     

    Recently, Kenya has witnessed demonstrations across the nation. While protests are an important part of any democratic society, the frequency and intensity of these demonstrations raise concerns about their long-term effects on Kenya’s democracy and social cohesion.

     

    The protests can serve as powerful tools for expressing grievances and demanding accountability from the government. They allow citizens to have their voices heard and can bring attention to critical issues that might otherwise be ignored. However, when protests become a routine, it signals underlying problems in the system that must be addressed.

     

    One of the major challenges with the current state of maandamano in Kenya is the violence and civil unrest. Peaceful protests have escalated into brutality between protesters and the police which in turn has led to to injuries, loss of lives, and property damage as we have witnessed. Such incidents not only disrupt social order but also deepen divisions within society.

     

    Another concern is that prolonged demonstrations can hinder economic growth and development. The instability caused by constant protests can discourage foreign investment. This is currently happening as investors are fleeing to the neighboring countries. Other than that there is disruption of business operations, and destruction of livelihoods of ordinary citizens.

    Moreover, the nature of the protests can divide communities. When protests are driven by political affiliations rather than a collective pursuit of the common good, the divisiveness can weaken the fabric of the nation, hindering progress and the sense of national identity.

     

    When demonstrations become a routine, there is a risk that their impact diminishes over time. People may start to view protests as merely disruptive events rather than genuine calls for change, leading to lack of interest and a loss of faith in the democratic process.

     

    To address the challenges posed by the current maandamano state, both the government and civil society must take measures. The government should prioritize dialogue and engage with protestors to understand their grievances and find peaceful resolutions to their concerns. Protest organizers should also resort to peaceful and constructive means of expression.

    In conclusion, while demonstrations are an essential aspect of any thriving democracy, their long-term effects on Kenya’s political stability, economy, and social cohesion cannot be ignored. To safeguard the nation’s future, it is crucial to strike a balance between the right to protest and the need for stability and progress.

  • The Surprising Consequences Of Neglecting Your Bedding.

    The Surprising Consequences Of Neglecting Your Bedding.

    {Photo courtesy of Pinterest}

     

    By Janet Wambua

     

    We all love the feeling of crawling into a cozy bed after a long day. But have you ever stopped to think about what’s lurking in your bedding? Your sheets, pillows, and comforter might be harboring more than just comfort. When you don’t change your bedding regularly, you expose yourself to a host of potential health risks and diminishing sleep quality.

    Let’s face it, life can get busy, and changing the bedding might not be at the top of your to-do list. However, neglecting this essential chore can lead to a range of problems you’d rather avoid.

    • Allergies and Respiratory Issues:

    Over time, your bedding accumulates dead skin cells, dust mites, and pet dander, becoming a breeding ground for allergens. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, these microscopic irritants can trigger sneezing, coughing, and congestion, disrupting your peaceful slumber.

    • Skin Problems:

    Dirty bedding can also contribute to skin issues. The buildup of sweat, oil, and bacteria on your sheets can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts. Additionally, not changing your pillowcase regularly can transfer these impurities to your face night after night.

    • Foul Odors:

    Ever noticed a musty smell in your bedroom? That could be a result of unwashed bedding. Sweat, body oils, and spills can accumulate over time, causing an unpleasant odor that’s not only uninviting but also detrimental to your sleep environment.

    • Poor Sleep Quality:

    Clean bedding provides a fresh and comfortable sleeping surface. On the other hand, unchanged sheets and pillows can feel uncomfortable and disrupt your sleep. A lack of restful sleep can lead to daytime fatigue, reduced focus, and overall diminished well-being.

    The good news is that maintaining a clean sleep environment doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here are some simple tips to keep your bedding fresh and hygienic:

    • Wash your sheets and pillowcases once a week, preferably, in hot water to kill dust mites and eliminate bacteria.
    • Use pillow case covers and mattress protectors to prevent stains and reduce allergen accumulation.
    • Air out your bedding regularly to remove any lingering odors and moisture.
    • Rotate and fluff your pillows to maintain their shape and support.

    By incorporating these easy steps into your routine, you can enjoy a more restful sleep and avoid the potential consequences of neglected bedding. Remember, taking care of your bedding means taking care of yourself.

    So, the next time you hit the hay, rest easy knowing you’re giving yourself the clean and comfortable sleep you deserve.

  • MEN’S SUIT RULES YOU NEED TO KNOW

    MEN’S SUIT RULES YOU NEED TO KNOW

    {Photo courtesy of Pinterest}

     

    By Samuel Owino

     

    Suits have been in existence since the 19th century and can be credited to Beau Brummell, a prototypical gent back then. Before Beau Brummell, suits were heavy influenced by the French court. He broke these rules of clothing by simply putting on a jacket, a pair of trousers and boots.

    The name suits comes from the French word, “suivre” which means to follow. This could translate to, the jacket follows the trousers and the trousers follows the jacket.

    I have observed that most students in Daystar do not know how to properly put on a suit and this reflects poorly on us. Here are some of the basic rules that should be followed when wearing a suit.

    First of all, one has to know what type of suit he or she is wearing. There are two kinds, a single breasted suit and a double breasted suit.

    For the single breasted suit, there are three kinds; one-buttoned suit, two-buttoned suit and three-buttoned suit.

    • The one-buttoned suit, one must always keep the button closed while standing.
    • For the two-buttoned suit, keep the top button closed and never close the bottom button.
    • For the three-buttoned suit, the top button is optional, the middle button must always be closed and never close the lower most button. The rules goes “Sometimes, always, and never.”

    The double breasted suit may seem complex but pretty easy once you understand.

    The double breasted suit has one simple rule: close all the working buttons but the lower one that seals it is optional, meaning you could decide to close it all, or leave one button open.

    Now remember that whenever you sit down, it is advisable to unbutton your jacket. This makes one avoid ruining their suit and keeps it straight.

    Never undo all the buttons of your jacket unless you are seated. It is just the way it cut and it is not meant to be open.

    Now you know, so please Daystar students, let us change how we put on our suits when we are at events and especially the law students who put on suits on a regular.

    These rules are important as they show sophistication and cuts a better silhouette.

  • PAST TRAUMAS

    PAST TRAUMAS

    {Photo courtesy of Red Oak Recovery}

     

    By anonymous

     

    Have you ever wondered why you have certain habits, specific triggers, or events in your life that seem to recur or a certain trait that is very particular for you? Well, I personally have had instances where they appear. Among the many reasons that they actually happen include cases of traumas that are unhealed. There are different traumas, like rejection, betrayal, and abandonment.

    With this in mind, the next question you might ask is how to know whether one is suffering from trauma. There are different types of trauma, and they manifest differently. One common example is rejection trauma, whose characteristics include making one easily have recurring negative assumptions about what others are thinking about them, and also, one tends to worry about letting people in their life. One also tends to be a people pleaser.

    Betrayal trauma is the second type of trauma that people happen to experience. It manifests with people having trouble recognizing, expressing, or managing emotions, leading to them having panic attacks, among other things. Thirdly, Abandonment trauma makes one fear being left or abandoned (In the case of a relationship), and one is literally just attached to someone or something or is clingy. It also manifests with one being unable to form healthy relationships in the teen stages and or adult ages. They tend to struggle with low self-esteem and self-worth.

    The reaction towards a trauma is usually by exhibiting a response. The following are a few responses; flight, fight, freeze, and fawn. One who responds by flight tends to be a workaholic, an overthinker, experiences panic and anxiety, and are usually a perfectionist. Those who respond by fight have anger outbursts, control, and explosive behavior. Those who respond by freezing generally have difficulty making decisions; they feel stuck, love isolating themselves, and just get numb. Those who fawn tend to be people pleasers; they lack identity, no boundaries, and are codependent. We may, at times, know we carry some baggage in the past and do not do anything about it or just live blaming.

    So how, then, can we get around an issue like trauma? It is liberating to deal with an issue and lift that burden off one’s shoulders. You will be lighter and move faster in whatever path of life. One way to solve any issue is being aware and, in this case, self-aware. It is super fulfilling to work on yourself through professional help from a therapist, get information from books, add capacity to oneself, and majorly be self-aware. Meditation. I recommend a few books to help one heal and recover from trauma. One can look at as many books as they can;

    1. Finding Me – Viola Davis
    2. The mountain is you –Brianna Wiest
    3. What happened to you -Bruce D and Oprah Winfrey

    The bottom line of this subject is that as we go about our lives, some things subconsciously hinder us from fully living our purpose in life. I encourage everyone to strive to be better every day, build capacity, let go of things of the past, be forgiving, and be happy in life.

  • DEALING WITH ACADEMIC STRESS.

    DEALING WITH ACADEMIC STRESS.

    [Photo courtesy of Health Care Business Today]

     

    By anonymous

     

    This is not a very discussed issue, but, in my opinion, academic stress is there, it is a reality and many students are having issues getting around it. I believe there are two types of stress positive stress better known as eustress, and negative, known as distress. If you having a eustress moment, this is what you are likely to experience; It is short, one tends to have some type of energy that stimulates them to tackle tasks, and the results are usually positive. It empowers one to grow emotionally, psychologically, and in just about all dimensions of life.

    Distress, on the other hand, manifests itself in the exact opposite ways as eustress does. It takes a long time; one tends to feel demotivated leading to being always exhausted and portraying low or no performance in your day-to-day activities. It also causes a lot of anxiety and depression, and at times acts as a gateway to other mental issues. This causes us to ask ourselves the next question, what causes academic stress?

    Is it a particular subject or lecturer, Is it one’s own personal issue like time management? Is there just too much on your plate? Or external issues like financial and family issues? All this could cause one to experience distress.

    Distress manifests itself in many ways, which I personally have experienced. One may start to socially withdraw, oversleep, over- eating sweet and fatty foods, using medication to relax taking too much of any substance, taking out stress on others, or suddenly being so emotional over just about anything. This is the point where specific things become a trigger.

    It is vital that you are self-aware since you will be able to almost immediately know you are not all right and do something about it. There are many ways that one can go about any type of stress. One may seek assistance from a professional like for instance, a therapist, among others. You can venture into other ways, among them being physically active like by doing a sport, working out and many others. I could also recommend a few ways of working on oneself like reading books to develop a skill or a habit or something.

    Work on the attitude by thinking and staying positive; stop overthinking. One ought to stop being a perfectionist and set realistic and practical goals. This might sound like a cliché but it is a very sensitive issue in this current day and time to be alive where the “PRESSURE” from society and even from oneself.

    I would like to conclude with the words from the good book of Ecclesiastes 9: 11 where the wise man Solomon observed that I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happens to them all. Just keep doing what you doing, be disciplined, love yourself, and when your time and chance come, you’ll surely live your dream.

    DISCLAIMER: I am not expressly saying that if you are having any or similar issues you are outrightly distressed. Take this as a personal opinion from someone who has previously experienced the same and wishes to talk to someone who might be going through the same.

  • THE PAIN WITHIN

    THE PAIN WITHIN

    [Photo courtesy of Istock.com]

     

    By Janet Wambua.

     

    In shadows deep where sorrows dwell,

    A tale of pain, I now shall tell,

    For in the hearts of teens it lies,

    A whispered truth, that pain defies.

     

    Within these walls of youthful hearts,

    Where dreams are forged and torn apart,

    The ache of growing, changing tide,

    Echoes through the soul, deep inside.

     

    Beneath the weight of heavy sighs,

    Unseen battles in tearful eyes,

    A constant struggle, fierce and real,

    In this journey to find what’s ideal.

     

    The sting of rejection, oh, how it burns,

    A lesson learned as trust discerns,

    But in the depths of this bitter strife,

    Resilience grows, shaping a stronger life.

     

    The ache of heartbreak, piercing and raw,

    A love once cherished, now in withdrawal,

    But from the fragments, strength will arise,

    For love’s rebirth in wiser guise.

     

    Amidst the chaos and inner war,

    Teen souls seek solace, longing for more,

    Yet through the anguish, light will shine,

    Guiding them toward a hope divine.

     

    So let this pain be not in vain,

    For every scar, a tale to gain,

    In shared experience, they’ll find release,

    Connecting hearts, offering peace.

     

    For pain unites us, young and old,

    A testament to the stories untold,

    Let empathy embrace the teen’s distress,

    And guide them towards healing, no less.

     

    So when you feel pain’s relentless sting,

    Remember, dear teen, you’re not alone in this thing,

    Embrace your battles, let resilience be,

    The key to unlock a future pain-free.

  • The Courageous Journey of Mary Wangeci: Balancing Motherhood and Education

    The Courageous Journey of Mary Wangeci: Balancing Motherhood and Education

    [Photo courtesy of Janet Wambua]

     

    By Janet wambua.

     

    Becoming a mother is a life-altering experience that can present numerous challenges, especially for young women pursuing their education. In the inspiring story of Mary Wangeci, a Bio-Medical 4th-year student, we delve into her journey of discovering her pregnancy just before starting campus and how she bravely faced the difficulties of being a young mother while striving to excel in her studies. With determination, support from friends, and a remarkable resilience, Mary overcame obstacles and found the strength to embrace both roles of motherhood and student.

    In November 2017, just before Mary was set to join campus, she received unexpected news – she was pregnant.”I found out before I came to campus. I recall it being November, and at first I didn’t believe it, wondering what I was going to do because I was meant to just join Campus.” She stated.

    Overwhelmed by mixed emotions and unsure of what to do, Mary found herself torn between the desire to keep the child and the fear of the challenges that lay ahead. Despite her apprehension, she made the courageous decision to keep the pregnancy a secret from her family and confided in her friend, Mary Wangari, who provided her with much-needed emotional support and encouragement.

    Determined to pursue her dreams and provide a bright future for her child, Mary decided to enroll in school even while four months pregnant. Concealing her pregnancy from her fellow students and faculty, she embarked on a journey where she had to navigate the complexities of being a student and a mother-to-be simultaneously. To make ends meet, Mary capitalized on her hair braiding skills, seeking clients among her fellow students during her free time. This allowed her to earn some income and gradually prepare for the arrival of her baby.

    “When I first arrived on campus, I knew I had no one to turn to for help with the child. When it came to the child, I discovered something to sustain me. I was able to accomplish something that at least helped me get ready for what was to come. So I made a hasty exit. I’m good at braiding hair, so I used to find students who wanted their hair braided anytime I wasn’t in class, and that kept me going, she added.

    Arriving on campus with a heavy burden on her shoulders, Mary felt alone and uncertain about the future. However, she discovered solace in the kindness of a fellow student named Esther Murugi, who became a trusted friend and offered unwavering support. Through Esther’s friendship, Mary found strength and encouragement, proving that a strong support network can make a world of difference.

    Despite the challenges, Mary was determined to be well-prepared for her baby’s arrival. With limited resources, she carefully managed her finances and gradually purchased essential baby supplies, ensuring that she had the necessities required for her child’s well-being. Remarkably, she successfully kept her pregnancy a secret from her classmates and professors, a testament to her perseverance and adaptability.

    After months of anticipation, on August 9th, Mary, accompanied by her supportive sister, went to the hospital and gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Tasha Hope Muthoni. The joy she felt upon seeing her daughter for the first time validated the difficult choices she had made. Mary’s mother and sister, upon learning about her pregnancy just weeks before the due date, expressed understanding and acceptance, reinforcing her belief that she had made the right decision.

    “I actually chose to notify my mum  and sister three weeks before giving birth because no one had actually noticed. My sister said that since the delivery is still three weeks away. Well, my  mom’s reaction was okay, there was no need to worry.” she said.

    With the birth of her daughter, Mary faced another hurdle, the desire to return to her studies. Despite Tasha being only five months old, Mary was eager to continue her education. However, circumstances prevented her from returning to school, forcing her to take a full year off. Undeterred, Mary remained determined to pursue her dreams, using this time to further bond with her daughter and prepare for her eventual return to campus.

    Returning to school after a year-long hiatus, Mary found herself confronted with the heart-wrenching decision of leaving her daughter in the care of her mother during the first semester. This temporary arrangement eased her transition back to school. However, circumstances took an unexpected turn when Mary’s mother fell ill, compelling her to bring Tasha to live with her off campus. The daily routine became tedious, requiring Mary to wake up early, prepare meals, pack Tasha’s belongings, drop her off at daycare, attend classes, and then pick her up immediately afterward.

    “It got to the point where my mom became ill, forcing me to go fetch Tasha and keep her with me at off campus. In order to prepare her for the day, I would get up early, cook for her, and pack her bag. I would then drop her off at a daycare, go to class, and then go pick her up again.”

    While these responsibilities proved challenging, Mary was not without support. Despite occasional instances where she had no one to leave Tasha with, some of her friends graciously offered to babysit the child, enabling Mary to attend her classes. Nevertheless, Mary faced difficulties participating in evening group discussions due to the lack of childcare options. Despite these obstacles, Mary managed to strike a delicate balance and fulfill her academic commitments.

    Remarkably, amidst the trials, Mary expresses no regrets. She acknowledges the invaluable lessons parenting has imparted, particularly in terms of discipline and responsibility. By being a mother, she has willingly sacrificed certain indulgences, such as partying, which has instilled in her a sense of discipline. Additionally, the responsibilities of parenthood have honed her accountability and prioritization skills, attributes she greatly appreciates.

    “Being a mother has taught me discipline because it has prevented me from enjoying worldly pleasures like going out to parties and other things. For this, I am really appreciative. In terms of responsibility, I have grown to be quite responsible in that my sense of accountability and prioritizing has grown.” she stated.

    It is natural to wonder about the absence of Tasha’s father during these trying times. Mary shared that her daughter’s father has been absent, and despite her efforts, she cannot force him to accept his responsibilities. Nevertheless, she remains grateful for the support she receives from God and her unwavering commitment to Tasha.

    Mary Wangeci extends her advice to fellow campus students facing similar challenges, urging them to remain optimistic throughout their journey and to seek solace in prayer. She firmly believes that no matter the circumstances, God will always provide, citing the proverbial adage, “there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

    Now, with Tasha at the age of five and enrolled in school, Mary finds joy in her daughter’s intelligence and is constantly grateful for God’s blessings. With her graduation approaching, Mary eagerly anticipates the future, embracing both the fulfillment of her academic goals and the continued joys of motherhood.

    Mary Wangeci’s journey as a young mother and student exemplifies the strength and resilience that women possess in the face of adversity. Through her perseverance and the support of friends and loved ones, she managed to navigate the challenges of being a young mother while pursuing her education. Mary’s story serves as an inspiration to all those who find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities, reminding us that with determination, support, and a positive mindset, we can overcome any obstacles that come our way.

  • WILL DAYSTAR STUDENTS ESCAPE THE LURE OF CHATGPT?

    WILL DAYSTAR STUDENTS ESCAPE THE LURE OF CHATGPT?

    [Photo courtesy of SIO Africa]

    By Samuel White

    Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) founded by the tech company Open AI was released in November 2022 and has taken the student world by storm.

    The AI tool with several tricks up its sleeve, including answering questions, drafting emails, writing essays, and many more, has also taken the student world by storm in that it has proven effective in helping students worldwide in writing essays and assignments.

    Before November, students depended on freelancers who did their assignments at a fee and went to levels where at times the freelancers would get access to student portals to submit assignments on behalf of the students. The students who could not afford to pay freelancers on a regular now stand to benefit hugely from the free AI tool and leading to a decline in pay for freelance writers.

    Collins, a 27-year-old who talks to Rest of World, says that there was a time when he would get approximately 50- 70 assignments and would earn approximately 90-120,000 Kenya shillings a month. Since the launch of ChatGPT, Collins’s earnings have dropped to 50-80,000 Kenya shillings a month. Many people depended on this-online writing as it is formally called-as their source of livelihood, and this is just the beginning of the downfall.

    Several students on the school campus, Daystar University, have admitted to using ChatGPT to complete their assignments. On asking why they use the platform, one student who asked to remain anonymous said, “Sometimes ChatGPT helps one complete an assignment that one forgot to do in time and submit in time and not have to worry about plagiarism.”

    Some students had differing opinions on the matter, for example, Wycliff Carson, a business economics student at Daystar University said, “ChatGPT is good when one uses it to support his or her own genuine work but dangerous to the student, the society, and the world in the long run if the student entirely depends on it to do each and every assignment, and even more dangerous when this becomes a trend with students influencing each other into depending on ChatGPT.” He continued, “New ways should be found to curb the irregularity around the use of ChatGPT.”

    In another interview with a lecturer at Daystar University in the School of Communication, Mr. Henry Neondo, said, “It is not legal, it is a mark of intellectual dishonesty. The challenge is that currently, there are no plagiarism checkers against work by ChatGPT.”

    While ChatGPT is an effective tool that benefits most students, it could help promote vices such as laziness, and illiteracy with most students graduating without the knowledge or idea of how to write an essay or the theoretical part of the course they study.

    Open AI, the tech company responsible for the creation of ChatGPT should find ways around the misuse of the platform especially among students. Unless this is done, we have a long way to save ourselves from the rabbit hole that we are digging ourselves into.

  • DOES THE SOCIETY NEED MORE MATERIALISM?

    DOES THE SOCIETY NEED MORE MATERIALISM?

    (Photo courtesy of NJ)

    By Nicole Waweru

    In a materialistic society, people tend to put all their priorities on money and other materialistic things when instead they should be giving top priority to things like values, ethics, and relationships, whether familial, romantic, or even friendships. It is sad that money has been placed on such a pedestal when in reality relationships should be the ones that matter because money can be consumed very quickly, and before you know it you have nothing, whereas relationships are forever.

    The only reason these cultures are thriving today is money. Such communities can never last for an extended period. Once their belongings are taken from them, they will be lost in space. Only cultures that place an equal emphasis on wealth and relationships will be able to last a long time and remain healthy and happy. There should be more of these communities because they will aid in our progress and bring us peace of mind.

    People today believe that materialism is the best path ahead. However, this is wrong. There is no reason for our society to become even more materialistic. This obsession with spending will only bring disaster if it continues. Children as young as 2-3 years old are now given smartphones since they are developing smartphone addictions at such a young age.

    I was shocked when I heard that my younger nieces and nephews are staying indoors all day because they have the luxury of watching tv and playing with their PlayStations all day long. While reading about the topic of materialism, it is now that I have realised that the new generation is not in touch with play and their interpersonal skills could suffer from it. If you ask me, a child who is as young as ten years old, should not even own a smartphone. Why should they? They should be out there learning how to ride a bike and fall, play with mud, etc.

    Children can no longer read and write on paper with a pen, do they even know how to put ink in an ink pen? I wonder. Now that they have laptops and smartphones, all of this job can be done for them. It is awful to observe that parents are unable to properly raise their young ones, this is the sad effect of materialism on their life. And it is even scarier to think that this might be even worse, five years from now, seeing that technology is continually advancing and the introduction of ‘Artificial Intelligence.’

    Also, in today’s society, people have acquired enough money that they are unable to spend it wisely and end up spending it to purchase unnecessary items. Many young people have side hustles, which is a good thing, but how do they spend the money they acquire after sales? We see the young people, including myself sometimes going on a splurge and buying all the coolest fits in the market to stay current.

    his is also seen in the newest electronics that hit the market almost monthly. Every day, the most recent smartphones are introduced by all smartphone manufacturers. We frequently encounter these commercials on television when watching news networks or sporting events. It is sad to see that materialism is greatly after the youth, which even goes down to their parents. If they do not receive what they want, they grow angry and may even do something extreme, like commit suicide.

    Materialism in society has led to depression and a serious deterioration in the mental health of a lot of people, because people are always putting up a show of false happiness, demanding other people’s approval of whatever they own and a quick judgment of others. This is now accepted in society as the norm. The world has become a fraud because people have grown far too materialistic with themselves. Happiness is one of the things in this world that cannot be purchased with money, we must learn from the past and begin making physical connections with others.

    In conclusion, society should cease focusing on gaining wealth and instead concentrate on improving their interpersonal relationships with others. People need to understand that in this world, money is not important, families and friends are. So, we need to start living simply and spend less on pricey, unnecessary stuff. Hope this piece will help you look within yourself and ask yourself what matters to you, money or relationships? You decide.