The Evolving Social Values of Myanmar Youth

As the French proverb goes, “Rome was not built in a single day”, a saying that dates back to the 12th century, Rome could not have been constructed overnight. In the same way, great accomplishments are never achieved instantly; they require patience, persistence, and sustained effort over time.
Rebuilding a nation is far more complex than even our personal routines. Consider something as simple as changing our bedsheets every two or three weeks. Do we always manage to do it as planned? Personally, I frequently fail, and for many reasons, the task is delayed.
Similarly, constructing a country composed of numerous ethnic groups cannot be completed quickly. It is a monumental endeavour that demands time, careful planning, and the ongoing participation of many generations.
Rebuilding a nation is not a task that any single individual can shoulder alone, much like changing one’s bedsheets or doing the laundry. In the work of nation-building, responsibility does not rest solely on the shoulders of leaders – it belongs to every citizen. Each person must cultivate the willingness to contribute actively, see themselves as an agent of change, and understand clearly the role they can play. For young people in particular, taking initiative and embracing responsibility forms a vital force capable of shaping the nation’s future.
A nation’s development does not rest solely on natural resources or political power. True development is grounded in stability, justice, and equality for all. These are the bedrock of any country. Yet, the mere presence of these foundations does not automatically lead to national development. For the machinery of a state built upon these foundations to function effectively, the active participation of every citizen across all sectors is indispensable for a country’s development. Each individual must endeavour to contribute to the nation in accordance with their own talents and capacities. Moreover, it is essential to respect the law and to fulfil one’s civic duties conscientiously.

Youths & Civic Duties
“Civic duty” refers to the responsibilities and obligations that a citizen must undertake for the benefit of society and the nation. For example, obligations such as respecting and obeying the law or paying taxes are mandatory and must be fulfilled. At the same time, actions like voting, engaging in volunteer work, and honouring the rights and opinions of others are voluntary responsibilities – carried out willingly, guided by personal choice and commitment.
Every citizen carries a responsibility for the development of their nation. Among them, young people deserve particular emphasis, for they are the ones who will shoulder the most crucial roles in shaping the country’s future.
First and foremost, young people are the driving force who will shape the nation’s future with their full energy and intellectual capacity. It is therefore especially important for them to fulfil their civic duties. In addition, they should actively exercise their rights to education and healthcare and strive to develop their full potential, becoming capable and well-qualified individuals. The attitudes, behavior and mindset of today’s youth will ultimately determine the image of the nation tomorrow.
Secondly, young people possess the ability to engage meaningfully in social and community work. In Myanmar, for instance, when natural disasters such as floods, fires, or earthquakes strike, youth often step forward as volunteers to assist in rescue and relief efforts. Their active involvement in such endeavours stands as a powerful example of fulfilling one’s civic duties.
Thirdly, young people serve as guardians of the public values and properties. Across towns and villages in Myanmar, youth groups come together to carry out activities such as street cleaning and environmental conservation. These collective efforts demonstrate their sense of responsibility to create public values.
Furthermore, it is essential for young people to become law-abiding and responsible citizens. By adhering to school rules, obeying traffic regulations, and learning from a young age not to damage public property, they contribute positively to society as a whole. We ‌have learnt an important lesson: while it may take great effort and time to build something, it can be destroyed very easily, highlighting the value of responsibility and care in preserving what has been created.
In summary, young people are the lifeblood of the nation and the architects of its future, making it vital for them to actively embrace and fulfil their civic duties. When the sense of responsibility of each young individual combines into a collective force, we can be confident that the nation’s future will shine ever brighter.
The future of a nation lies in the hands of its youth. Therefore, if every young person understands their responsibilities and participates with wisdom, discernment, and the ability to distinguish right from wrong, they can gradually help build a stable, strong, and just nation. By listening to sound advice, showing respect, and collectively upholding fundamental values, young people can foster unity within the country. In this way, the intelligence and harmony of the youth become crucial factors in advancing and strengthening the nation.

Social Changes Emerging Among Today’s Youth
In today’s era, society has grown increasingly attentive to the actions, behaviours, and social attitudes of young people. Modern youth are more willing to question injustice, form independent opinions, and resist practices they perceive as impractical. At the same time, respect toward parents, teachers, elders, and traditional customs has noticeably declined.
This trend is particularly evident online and on social media, where harsh language and blame are often used to gain more likes and views. Such behaviours not only harm cultural values but also raise serious concerns regarding interpersonal relationships and social cohesion.
An excessive focus on “likes, views, followers”, and similar online metrics has eroded young people’s real-life social skills. As interpersonal communication weakens, misunderstandings between individuals increase, giving rise to greater mistrust. When thoughts and feelings that should be shared within a community are withheld or expressed inaccurately, conflicts become more likely to occur.
Furthermore, divisions between groups may emerge, diminishing the spirit of collaboration. In any society, without mutual understanding, trust, and cooperation, social cohesion inevitably suffers.
In the age of globalization, constantly following the information delivered by the smartphones in our hands has led to a decline in interest in our traditional culture, literature, and history. Young people increasingly adopt foreign cultural practices without reflection, which poses a serious risk of eroding their own cultural identity.
Furthermore, a noticeable decline in responsibility and perseverance among young people has been observed in workplaces. When faced with difficulties, some tend to give up easily, showing less willingness to strive for long-term goals in their careers and education. A mindset that seeks quick results through shortcuts further exacerbates this problem.
On the other hand, an increasing focus on self-interest and self-centeredness among young people has become a matter of serious concern. The mindset of “as long as it works out for me” has become more common, while the willingness to engage in socially beneficial activities or to consider the welfare of others has declined. Such changes in perspective can undermine social cohesion and trust within the community.
The role of each young person is vital in restoring the social values of youth. Fame and likes on social media should not be treated as measures of self-worth; instead, young people should build their value through truly useful skills and abilities. The ability to persevere and work diligently towards goals that do not yield immediate success enhances personal and social worth. Moreover, accepting differing opinions and engaging in respectful discussions can strengthen social cohesion and cultural values.
Education is a fundamental human right that must be made available to every child. Through learning, individuals develop the ability to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions throughout life. Educated youth enjoy greater opportunities in selecting careers and are better equipped to shape their own lives independently. Every child and young person should have the freedom to access education without restriction. Moreover, educated youth are more capable of understanding social issues and becoming responsible, engaged citizens. In this way, education benefits not only the individual but also fosters the development of society and secures the future of the nation as a whole.
Furthermore, under the current circumstances of unstable social conditions, generational limitations, political and economic pressures, and the lack of understanding from parents and elders are all factors that can negatively influence the behaviour and perspectives of young people.
Therefore, rather than criticizing young people, it is important to understand them, provide guidance, and create a positive environment. Doing so will help shape a better and stronger society in the future.
At the same time, parents, teachers, and elders should also seek to understand the difficulties faced by young people. By creating an environment where they can be listened to and guided, rather than judged or criticized youths’ sense of responsibility and respect can naturally flourish.
In conclusion, the evolving social values of today’s Myanmar youth can be restored only through understanding, guidance, and trust. At the same time, young people themselves must learn to exercise their rights, accept their responsibilities, acknowledge and correct their mistakes, consider the advice of elders, and actively participate in socially beneficial activities. When society recognizes that youth are a vital resource for the future, and when young people understand their own value and demonstrate responsibility and mutual respect, a truly meaningful and socially cohesive community can emerge. In an environment where both elders and youth interact constructively, combining the wisdom of experience with the creativity of the younger generation, the progress and development of our nation can accelerate.

gnlm