Global Youth Culture

Youth Mesh offers an interesting argument for the rise of a unified “global youth culture,” aided by increased travel and media penetration, social networking sites, cell phones, and all other technology making it easier for people to connect. Rather than these beliefs being “imposed from Western ideals, Youth Mesh argues, a global youth culture is emerging organically, in developing countries where instantaneous communication is becoming increasingly convenient and widespread. And, Youth Mesh argues, this culture goes beyond fashion and music:

There are the common styles of music (such as hip hop), styles of clothing, media interests, dance, material possessions and other practical and outward expressions of this culture. Deeper than this though I believe there is developing a common value system and view of life.

This has to do with things such as: distrust of authority and organisations, freedom of expression, authority is to be earned and not bestowed, access to knowledge and finances, relationships are everything, friends are more important than family, truth is what ever you believe it to be and many other values.

Technology and media are without a doubt changing the way youth are sharing and learning about each others’ ideas, opinions, and creative output. And while many of these rebellious values (questioning authority, finding more kinship with peers rather than family) have long been a universal part of youth mentality (much before the advent of the Internet and cell phones), technology is helping break down the cultural and geographical borders that have prevented their global confluence.

Youth Mesh: Global Youth Culture