Millennial self-focus not necessarily negative trait

It’s no surprise that when people look at society today, all they see are narcissistic young adults who cling to their cell phones for dear life. Narcissism is psychologically defined as “extreme selfishness, with a grandiose view of one’s own talents and a craving for admiration.” It is a word that millennials are probably quite used to hearing. But I would question whether or not that is a valid word to define our generation as a whole.

We are the generation of the selfie; the age group that loves posting almost anything to our Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter accounts. We use these social media outlets to show off the many photos that were taken on our trip to Italy or to let all of our followers know that we got our dream job. As we post these updates, we hope that everyone will see it and appreciate it. There have been times when I checked my Facebook and couldn’t help but feel envious of all my friends’ adventures and accomplishments.

It is said that your 20s are when you should be experiencing everything possible and living your life to the fullest. This is a time when you should see the world before going off to graduate school or getting a job. It’s the time when you should figure out who you want to be and what you like most about yourself. So when I’m looking at my friends on Facebook and all of their achievements, I can’t help but wonder if I truly am living my life in the best way possible. I believe it is natural to feel jealous and inferior to others when viewing their lives through filtered social media platforms.

We should question why we feel the need to inform our friends on the Internet about what we’re doing every day, every hour and every minute. Is it because we truly are a narcissistic generation or is it because we just want to feel appreciated? In some ways, yes, we are a generation who will only feel attractive and important if we get a certain number of likes on our Instagram and Facebook accounts. Despite this, we are a self-loving generation. 

Our generation is more connected to each other than any generation before. While there is a small sense of inadequacy after looking at my friends’ online posts, it is pushed aside by the inspiration to go on my own adventures and to achieve my own goals.

Instead of feeling incompetent or resentful, we should appreciate one another’s accomplishments. From photos of graduation or the birth of a child, we can learn to be happy for others’ successes. These moments are the ones in our lives that we must treasure. Humans naturally want to share their happiness with others, even if it is done somewhat excessively.

So, to everyone who is called a narcissist, keep promoting self-love in addition to the love of others. It’s incredible to be so connected in this generation and it’s even better to be proud of yourself and what you choose to do.

Genetic engineering: do the risks outweigh the benefits?

The potential improvements of genetic engineering are continually silenced by fears concerning morality and uncertainty. Despite these concerns, genetic modification has a very real capacity to change our future for the better. In the face of an increasingly resource-exhausted world, genetic engineering is a science with vast untapped applications to better the human condition. In regards to human health, the Biotechnology Industry Organization––commonly known as BIO––cites an instance of patients with kidney failure. These patients who were originally given a 10-20 percent chance of survival fully regained kidney function after receiving a genetically engineered bio-hybrid kidney, derived from stem cells that developed into fully functioning kidney cells.

The hybrid kidney did what most did not think possible: it saved the patients’ lives. Moreover, genetic engineering will create better, more effective vaccines for a larger array of diseases—even those currently considered death sentences, like cancer and heart disease.

Genetic engineering can also help human health by modifying other organisms. Food could be engineered with higher levels of vitamins and nutrients. Crops could have greater resilience from ravaging insects or hostile climatic conditions. These are major steps toward potentially eliminating world hunger. How can we refuse to explore such beneficial technology when it could help improve and save so many lives?

The primary opposition to human genetic modification is the risk factor––the fear of the unknown. Genetic engineering is a relatively new and complex process. Therefore, long-term risks have yet to be properly evaluated.

Bernard Gert tackles this issue in his article “Genetic Engineering: Is It Morally Acceptable?” He states that people need concrete proof of the safety of genetic. He also theorizes that genetic engineering––like any new technology––creates intense competition among researchers and scientists to be the first in the field. This can lead to the over-exaggerating of benefits and concealing the possibility of harmful outcomes. To deny a better quality of life because we don’t have a 100 percent guarantee of success, however, is just not acceptable.

The bigger argument against human genetic engineering raises moral and religious questions. When people hear that genetic engineering can eliminate genetic disorders and diseases by modifying genes in unborn children, they associate it with eugenics—a process that promotes the “improvement” of hereditary qualities in a race.

Who exactly determines what is “undesirable?” What could prevent the powerful from politically or financially influencing the idealization of certain ethnic qualities over another? The idea of this “playing God” is unacceptable in many religions and offends others on ethical and social grounds. Rather than allow these fears to stymie further genetic research, we should treat them as hazards to steer clear of as genetic engineering becomes a greater part of everyday life.

As compassionate human beings, we should strive to improve everyone’s quality of life. Rather than fearing the unknown, we should be embracing the “nothing ventured, nothing gained” philosophy while using reason and respect for others. We must remain open to the possibilities of genetic engineering rather than holding back on research because of unfounded fears.

Album Review: My Everything

It is hard to believe how quickly Ariana Grande rose to fame, going from a Nickelodeon actress to bonafide pop star in just a matter of years. Since the release of her first record, Grande has put out hit after hit. Her new album My Everything, released on Aug. 25, has already skyrocketed to the top of the charts. My Everything is truly an evolution from her debut LP Yours Truly. Grande’s first album was proof that she had talent. It was evident, however, that her voice was not yet at its peak and many of the songs were quite similar. While it was a solid first offering, Yours Truly is nothing compared to her new album.

My Everything features a range of songs, from amazing dance tracks with EDM influences to fresh R&B tunes that you would never think she could pull off. Every track on this album is extremely catchy and will surely be stuck in your head for the rest of the day.

The album is filled with some unlikely collaborations. The surprising diversity and uniqueness of the album is exactly what fans seem to love. My Everything features artists such as Childish Gambino, Zedd, Iggy Azalea and Big Sean. With an all-star lineup like that, who wouldn’t have high expectations for Grande?

Aside from the collaborations, My Everything also shows off Grande’s more vulnerable side, another reason for its popularity. Fans of Grande should be able to connect with the singer through many of the songs on this album––something every artist would want to achieve.

The ultimate highlight of the album, however, is Grande’s vocals. There is only one word to describe them: perfection. While Grande is known for her whistle tones (which have even been compared to those of Mariah Carey), she did not show them off as much as she has in the past. There are a lot more riffs and harmonies in this album. The fact that she is able to show off her lower register in My Everything shows how truly unique and wide her vocal range is. Grande’s voice soars with pure talent.

The songstress has yet again captured the hearts of millions, with My Everything debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, her second album to hit No. 1 in less than a year.

Considering that Grande is just 21 years old, the sky is the limit for the singer. This album is a game-changer for Grande and shows that the singer is not going to stop anytime soon.