Your Voice: Bridging the generational gap; the complex world of emotions (short letters)

Launched in 2019, Happy Ageing in Peng Chau recruits volunteers to assist the island’s elderly with daily tasks and help bridge the generation gap between seniors and younger individuals. This is a commendable initiative that brings numerous benefits to the elderly.

With a significant portion of the island’s population being seniors and a large number of them living alone, daily tasks can become challenging for them. The Happy Ageing project provides practical support to seniors, thereby enhancing their living standards.

Additionally, the project greatly enhances the mental well-being of the older generation. Elderly individuals living alone often face mental health issues. Peng Chau, being an isolated island with limited resources, exacerbates these challenges.

The companionship provided by volunteers alleviates the feelings of loneliness among the elderly.

Through community involvement, seniors can get to know their neighbours and young volunteers can understand the needs of the local community. This approach allows for an empathetic consideration of elderly issues and bridges the intergenerational gap.

‘It can be very lonely’: why socialising is crucial for Hong Kong elderly

Liang Jifeng, Leung Shek Chee College

When most people hear the word insensitive, they may have a negative impression of it. However, according to Japanese writer Watanabe Junichi, the term can also mean having the strength to face life’s setbacks calmly and continue moving towards one’s goals. So, how can we develop our ability to be insensitive?

Firstly, we shouldn’t take all negative reviews seriously. There are many people in the world, and they will all have different opinions about us. However, not all opinions are worth accepting. We should adjust our mindset and focus on our own affairs.

Secondly, we shouldn’t dwell too much on the past. It is more productive to think about what we can do next to improve ourselves. The most important thing is to learn from past experiences.

Thirdly, we should be grateful for jealousy and sarcasm. Others may be jealous because we have something better than them. They may express their jealousy to get our attention. Instead of resenting them, we can appreciate their acknowledgement.

In summary, insensitivity is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of resilience. It takes courage to face our own emotions and tolerate the feelings of others.

Your Voice: Decoding the empathy gap

Yeung Siu-kwan, Stewards Pooi Tun Secondary School

Some parents believe that constantly being with their children and making decisions on their behalf is a way of protecting them. However, they may not realise that excessive control can impede their child’s ability to develop independent thinking.

The drawbacks of strict parenting can lead to negative emotions in children who are unable to relax. Children think they must adhere to their parents’ instructions to become the perfect child. As a result, they become overly dependent and obedient to their parents in every aspect.

Similar to a “monster parent,” these parents exert excessive control over their children, placing high demands on them in the hopes of achieving desired outcomes. I believe that children cannot truly relax in such an environment, which significantly impacts their daily lives, including their ability to communicate with others. The constant stream of parental orders hinders their ability to think independently and critically evaluate whether their actions are right or wrong.

Edison Ng Chun Lun, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial college

I am writing to express my concerns about the detrimental effects of social media on the general public. Ever since Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook, it has ushered in a new era for humanity – a virtual utopia where people can share vibrant pictures and ideas. However, the evolution of people’s mindset has been uncontrollable, and what was once a place for joy and happiness has now become a battlefield.

The anonymity provided by social media platforms has led to chaotic and aggressive debates. Instead of engaging in thoughtful discussions and considering the feelings of others, people now pour their thoughts onto online platforms and resort to insulting their opponents. Their goal is not to convince readers but merely to silence their adversaries.

Hong Kong authorities say no plan to ban social media platforms under Article 23

Social media’s design, which relies on big data, hampers productive public debates. These platforms are designed to encourage users to share their thoughts, but they often end up recommending posts that align with users’ existing beliefs. This reinforces users’ faith in their own opinions.

However, I still hold hope that we can work towards reversing this toxic culture.