Are they really “gods”?
After being in the teaching field for almost a decade, I have encountered many children of the 21st century in my day-to-day life. While many of them have left lasting impressions with their thoughts and actions, an equal number have challenged me with behaviors that are difficult to process. As someone who grew up hearing that “children are the silhouette of gods,” I find myself questioning this belief. Is it really true, or have we been clinging to the romanticized ideals of ancient mythological orators?
Who validates these timeless thoughts passed from one generation to the next? Do they have a shelf life? These questions emerge because we often take the work of rational minds — the rare 1% who generate original ideas — for granted. Instead of applying logic to build on their insights, we either imitate them blindly or fail to contextualize their thoughts in our ever-evolving reality.
Sapiens have always produced ideas rooted in deep observations of human experiences. But these experiences are subjective, shaped by the patterns of their time. The gymnosophists of the past created philosophies based on their utopian ideals, distant from the messy, complex realities of human life. Did they truly account for how their ideas might be misinterpreted or misapplied by future generations?
Today, these philosophical dilemmas intersect with the influence of technology. Persuasive tech and seductive algorithms have a profound impact on children, manipulating their need for attention — a fundamental human drive. Tech giants have weaponized this need, designing systems that hijack emotional triggers, offering validation through likes, shares, and notifications. As a result, children, the most vulnerable consumers, often find themselves overwhelmed by curated digital experiences that shape their perceptions and actions.
In this hyperconnected era, the role of mentors and parents becomes crucial. Instead of romanticizing children as divine or blaming them entirely for their actions, we must focus on guiding them through these challenges. Children are neither gods nor mere victims — they are evolving beings shaped by their environment. The responsibility to help them navigate this world lies with those who care for and guide them.
Mentors and parents must rise to the role of real gods — guiding forces who foster critical thinking, encourage self-awareness, and provide emotional stability. They must teach children to question the information they consume, recognize biases, and understand the intentions behind persuasive tech. By encouraging meaningful offline connections, they can help children seek validation in real-world relationships and activities, away from the addictive lure of digital platforms. Offering contextual wisdom and modeling healthy behavior are equally essential in helping children interpret and balance the overwhelming access to information they now have.
Children, like all humans, are shaped by their environment, curiosity, and experiences. They need mentors and parents who can guide them not as gods in the mythical sense but as rational, empathetic, and responsible figures. The goal is to nurture their potential, ensuring they are shaped by their curiosity and creativity rather than the manipulative pull of algorithms.
So, who should play the role of gods in guiding human ideas and actions? It is the mentors and parents who must step up with the wisdom, patience, and vision to empower the next generation to think freely, act responsibly, and live meaningfully in a world increasingly shaped by technology.