Are We Raising The Generation That Can't Live Offline?

By Munabi Stella 

Take a walk through any street, matatu, classroom, or restaurant in Kenya today and one thing stands out almost everyone is looking down at a screen. From teenagers scrolling TikTok to adults glued to WhatsApp groups, the internet has become an inseparable part of daily life. While technology has brought convenience and connection, a worrying question emerges: are we raising a generation that cannot function without being online?

Young people today have grown up in a fully digital world. School assignments are researched online, friendships are maintained through social media, and entertainment is streamed on demand. Unlike previous generations that spent hours outdoors or engaged in face-to-face conversations, many children and teenagers now spend most of their free time on screens. As a result, being offline can feel uncomfortable, boring, or even stressful.

The impact on social skills is also concerning. Online communication often replaces face-to-face conversations, yet it lacks important emotional cues such as tone, facial expressions, and body language. Over time, this can weaken young people’s ability to build deep relationships, resolve conflicts, and express themselves confidently in person. In schools, some teachers report that students struggle with public speaking and group discussions because they are more comfortable typing than talking.

Mental health is another area of concern. Constant exposure to carefully curated lives on social media creates unrealistic standards of beauty, success, and happiness. Young people compare their behind-the-scenes struggles to other people’s highlight reels, leading to anxiety, low self-esteem, and feelings of inadequacy. The pressure to stay visible and relevant online can make logging off feel like social isolation.

However, technology itself is not the enemy. The internet provides access to education, career opportunities, and global conversations that were once out of reach. Many young Kenyans are learning digital skills, building online businesses, and expressing creativity through digital platforms. The problem arises when online life completely replaces offline experiences.

Parents, teachers, and society at large must help young people find balance. Encouraging hobbies, sports, reading, and family time without screens can help children develop real-world skills and interests. Schools can also teach digital literacy, helping students understand healthy online habits and the importance of disconnecting.

Ultimately, the goal should not be to eliminate technology, but to ensure it remains a tool rather than a lifestyle. Young people need opportunities to experience boredom, nature, conversation, and quiet reflection moments where growth often happens.

In conclusion, we may indeed be raising a generation that struggles to live offline, but this trend is not irreversible. By promoting balance and mindful technology use, we can ensure that young people enjoy the benefits of the digital world without losing touch with the real one.