Opinion: Needless economic turmoil could undermine the future for our youth ...Middle East

Times of San Diego - News
Opinion: Needless economic turmoil could undermine the future for our youth
Health Information Management graduates from San Diego Mesa College participate in commencement ceremonies. (Photo courtesy of the San Diego Community College District)

Thanks to Elon Musk and President Trump. the global economy, once an engine of growth has fractured, and the fate of our democracy is diminished.

The stock market has whipsawed. Consumer confidence has plummeted. The prices of eggs and other staple foods are surging. The housing crisis has escalated with more and more people forced into homelessness, turning once-thriving metropolises into sprawling encampments of despair.

    Despite remarkable advancements in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and space exploration, humanity may find itself teetering on the precipice of crisis. 

    The very foundations that once sustained civilization — stable jobs, affordable goods, and housing — are under immense pressure.

    As economic despair grows, so too does division. Political, religious, and racial tensions have erupted into full-scale violence, fragmenting societies that once prided themselves on progress and unity. Extremism is on the rise, fueled by desperation and a loss of faith in traditional institutions. Entire regions are destabilizing as long-standing conflicts intensify, creating new waves of displacement, refugee crises, and resource wars.

    These are no ordinary times to be sure. 

    Faced with these challenges, younger generations are beginning to question the wisdom of bringing children into a world that seems irreparably broken. Declining birth rates signal a profound shift in human behavior — not merely a lifestyle choice but an existential reckoning. If the future appears bleak, why risk condemning another generation to struggle? 

    Meanwhile, our educational systems remain rooted in outdated models, ill-equipped to prepare students for the volatile and rapidly shifting landscape of the modern world. Schools and universities continue to churn out graduates who lack the critical thinking, adaptability, and innovation skills needed to navigate an uncertain future.

    If humanity is to survive — let alone thrive — radical transformation is required.

    We must oppose the current efforts at every opportunity. Yet despite the darkness, there remain glimmers of possibility. Science, technology, and innovation offer humanity a path forward — but only if we are willing to reimagine the systems that govern our lives. At the heart of these efforts lies a single, undeniable truth: the future must be built by those willing to shape it.

    Historically, corporations have prioritized profits over people, choosing short-term gains over long-term societal well-being. However, as nation states falter, some visionary companies are beginning to recognize their potential as architects of the future. 

    Certain industries have already taken steps in training young employees in essential trades — construction, electrical work, and plumbing — preparing them to rebuild physical infrastructure. However, the world requires more than just skilled labor; it demands visionaries — thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers capable of guiding humanity into a new age of stability and growth.

    The question is not whether companies , or individual citizens,  should lead this charge — but whether they will. The complexity of today’s crises demands a coalition of the world’s brightest minds and most powerful institutions. Inspired by cooperative models, a global consortium of corporate leaders, average citizens, scientists, educators, and policymakers could forge a new path forward.

    Education must evolve beyond outdated classroom models and embrace interdisciplinary, hands-on learning experiences. This means:

    Merging STEM with the arts to cultivate creativity-driven problem solvers Implementing AI-assisted learning to personalize education and prepare students for an AI-driven world Emphasizing ethics and global responsibility, ensuring the next generation understands the impact of their decisions

    Education must break free from bureaucratic constraints and become a dynamic, responsive system that adapts as swiftly as the world it seeks to prepare students for. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how swiftly global paradigms can shift. In just months, remote work, digital collaboration, and AI-driven automation reshaped the economy. Now, humanity faces an even greater transformation.

    To succeed, the workforce of the future must merge analytical precision with creative innovation. The true power of artificial intelligence lies not in replacing human labor but in enhancing human potential. By integrating art, technology, and creativity, we can redefine what progress means and chart a new path forward.

    Radical ideas once relegated to science fiction are now inching closer to reality. Advances in brain-computer interfaces, neural enhancement, and AI-assisted cognition offer profound possibilities. Concepts like “brain downloading” could allow humans to preserve knowledge, personality, and skill sets indefinitely, ensuring that humanity’s brightest minds never truly fade. 

    While such advancements remain decades (or even centuries) away, they represent an inevitable progression toward a post-human future — one where limitations are rewritten, and possibilities expand beyond imagination. The challenges ahead are immense, but they are not insurmountable. The fate of tomorrow’s children — and, indeed, humanity itself — depends on decisive action today. The blue marble we call home is at a turning point. If we fail to act, we may plunge into a darkness from which we will never escape.

    But if we choose boldness over fear, creativity over stagnation, and progress over complacency, we can forge a new future — one built on resilience, innovation, and the unwavering belief that tomorrow can be better than today.

    John Eger is professor emeritus in the School of Journalism and Media Studies at San Diego State University. Previously, he served as legal assistant to FCC Chairman Dean Burch, telecommunications advisor to President Gerald R. Ford, and Senior Vice President of CBS Worldwide Enterprises.

    Read More Details
    Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Opinion: Needless economic turmoil could undermine the future for our youth )

    Also on site :



    Latest News