#Digitalage

In decades past, getting a driver’s license was a symbolic leap toward adulthood and independence for many teenagers. But for Generation Z, this milestone holds far less appeal. New data and expert interviews reveal a dramatic decline in teens seeking the freedom of the open road, raising questions about changes in youth culture, mental health, and mobility trends with global resonance—including for Thai families navigating a rapidly evolving social landscape.

A global shift among Generation Z is reshaping the traditional path to independence, with Thai families feeling the impact of changing mobility patterns. Rather than viewing a driver’s license as a symbol of adulthood, many Thai teens now prioritize digital connectivity, safety concerns, and financial realities that influence their driving decisions.

Historically, obtaining a driving license marked a crucial leap toward autonomy for teenagers worldwide. Today, however, young people are reassessing what independence means, questioning long-held assumptions about mobility and social development.

A recent cheating scandal made global headlines not simply for the act itself but for the extraordinary audacity with which it played out. At a Coldplay concert in the United States, two top corporate executives were caught sharing an intimate moment on the stadium’s giant screens, triggering a tidal wave of speculation and analysis across social media. This “kiss-cam couple” incident has renewed interest in the psychology of affairs, particularly why some individuals engage in infidelity in such public, high-risk ways. Insights from the latest psychological research indicate that cheating is rarely just about sexual desire—it reflects deeper emotional, personal, and relational complexities, highlighting issues around emotional connection, the craving for novelty, the thrill of breaking rules, and even cries for help within relationships.

A highly public kiss-cam moment at a major concert drew global attention, not only for the act itself but for what it reveals about relationships in the digital age. At a Coldplay show in the United States, two senior executives shared an intimate moment on the stadium screens, sparking widespread discussion. The incident has renewed interest in why people engage in affairs, especially when visibility is high and pressures are intense.

A groundbreaking new report by the World Health Organization has revealed an alarming truth: loneliness is claiming lives at a rate of roughly 100 people every hour—outpacing some of the world’s deadliest diseases and amounting to more than 871,000 deaths per year globally. Despite living in the most connected era in human history, the persistent reality of social isolation has emerged as a severe threat to physical and mental health on a global scale, an issue that resonates deeply for Thai society grappling with rapid digital change and demographic shifts.

A World Health Organization assessment shows loneliness claims about 100 lives every hour, totaling more than 871,000 deaths each year worldwide. In a hyper-connected era, social isolation remains a clear threat to both physical and mental health. The issue resonates in Thai society as the country undergoes rapid digital change and shifting demographics.

Loneliness, as defined by the WHO’s 2025 report, is the distress that occurs when social relationships do not meet a person’s desired level of connection. It is distinct from mere social isolation. Online interactions do not always translate into meaningful, supportive relationships. Persisting loneliness heightens the risk of depression and is linked to higher rates of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and earlier death, according to the report.

A new wave of anxiety is affecting Generation Alpha—children born after 2013. Recent insights highlighted by reputable outlets suggest that smart devices and the drive for instant convenience, not just screen time, are shaping how young minds cope with uncertainty. This matters for Thai families and educators as it signals a shift in childhood resilience crucial for success in a fast-changing world.

Historically, worries about youth anxiety centered on social media and excessive smartphone use, particularly among Gen Z. In Thailand, educators and mental health professionals have observed rising school-based anxiety, perfectionism, and avoidance behaviors among students, echoing global trends. Data from major health authorities in the United States show that in 2021 one in five children had been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder, with anxiety being the most common. While Thai youth may access technology differently, the core concern—how to equip children to handle uncertainty—remains universal.

A new wave of anxiety is sweeping through Generation Alpha, children born after 2013, according to recent research highlighted by Psychology Today (psychologytoday.com). Surprisingly, smart devices and the relentless pursuit of daily convenience—rather than screen time alone—may be fueling this phenomenon. This research is significant for Thai families and educators as it points to a broader transformation in childhood resilience, skills that are critical for success and well-being in a rapidly changing world.

A friendly smile, eye contact, and a quick chat with a stranger on the BTS may seem small, but new research shows these acts of psychological generosity can transform individuals and Thai communities. A recent piece by Professor Linda R. Tropp argues that tiny social gestures do more than ease daily interactions. They support mental well-being, strengthen local ties, and help counter loneliness—an issue rising in Thailand’s bustling cities as well as in the West.

A wave, a smile, or even a brief exchange of small talk with a stranger on the BTS might seem trivial, but new research underscores how such acts of “psychological generosity” can be transformative—both for ourselves and for Thai society. According to a new article by Professor Linda R. Tropp, published recently in The Conversation (theconversation.com), these tiny social behaviors—like making eye contact or greeting strangers—do much more than oil the wheels of polite society. They offer profound benefits to our psychological well-being, strengthen community ties, and help combat the creeping epidemic of loneliness, an issue not only facing the West but increasingly relevant here in Thailand’s bustling urban centres.

Millennial parents are facing parenting pressures and challenges more complex—if not downright unimaginable—than those experienced by earlier generations, according to new research and real-life accounts. From the insistence of “always-on” work culture to soaring living costs, a childhood defined by digital immersion, and a barrage of social expectations, the millennial parenting experience is rewriting what it means to raise children in the 21st century. The implications are profound—not just for families, but also for schools, community institutions, and Thai society navigating rapidly shifting social norms.

Millennial parents face pressures that often feel overwhelming by design. A blend of nonstop work culture, rising living costs, and a child-rearing landscape shaped by digital immersion is redefining what it means to raise children in the 21st century. The shift affects families, schools, and Thai communities as social norms evolve at a rapid pace.

Traditionally, parents from Gen X and the Baby Boom era relied on stable routines, predictable work hours, and strong extended-family support. Today’s millennial parents juggle flexible careers, urban living, and a fierce demand for constant involvement in their children’s lives. In Thailand, urban households report similar strains, with many moms and dads balancing careers and caretaking under intense social scrutiny.

A groundbreaking new analysis reveals that simple acts such as making eye contact and engaging in polite small talk with strangers offer far more than fleeting pleasantries—they represent a form of “psychological generosity” that can significantly enhance individual and societal well-being. Published on May 21, 2025, in The Conversation by a noted professor of social psychology, this research underscores how daily habits in social attention are fundamental to fostering community, decreasing isolation, and building a healthier, more connected society (The Conversation).

A new analysis shows that simple acts like making eye contact and engaging in brief small talk with strangers fare beyond polite niceties. These micro-interactions function as “psychological generosity” that can boost both individual happiness and community well-being. The study, published in The Conversation on May 21, 2025, emphasizes how daily social attention shapes healthier, more connected societies. Research from respected institutions highlights that such habits remain foundational even as digital communication expands.