This is a photograph of a teenage girl taking a “selfie” while surrounded by nature, but is so preoccupied with herself and finding the perfect angle that she is completely oblivious to the beauty of her surroundings and focused on her own appearance. Today’s population, teens especially, are extremely engaged with social media, and have many standards set by themselves and their peers on those platforms. The tremendously steep expectations of appearance and popularity is highly valued and stressful on the youth of today, not pushed by their parents or mentors like most are. This self-absorbed attitude and outlook has hindered young people’s ability to appreciate the small but wonderful things the natural world has to offer. This type of thinking has taken focus away from the world’s ever important and beautiful natural resources, which are under more stress than ever due to climate change and over exploitation ravaging the Earth. The consequences of this self-centered way of living sinks far deeper than problems caused for the individual themselves; their environment is no longer perceived as a gift rather than a resource, the others who care about them do not sense the feeling as mutual, and relationships can eventually shatter as a result. Neighbours no longer learn each other's’ names, the person standing beside them will forever be a stranger in their one track minds, and the race of life keeps getting faster due to this silly thought of competitiveness when we should be cooperating with and supporting each other. The world’s population must work on this detrimental new habit, and re-learn to focus on a more broad view than themselves.
*Picture taken by author with Canon SX50 HS Power Shot Camera*
High expectations in the modern world diminish the ability to enjoy the insignificant aspects of life.