Facebook debate: Are we governed by ‘cool’?

Leaders and followers

The intent to be cool affects our choices and our lifestyle. Each peer group has norms, values and traits. Deviant behaviour will cause one to be disliked and be thrown out of their group. The need to be liked or the need for company may force one to go with the flow, or else you may become an outcast and lonely. However, those who do not care about being cool or liked seem to achieve more as compared to the followers.

From Mr Arthur Chahwanda

UAE

Discovering who we are

This definitely applies to teenagers. We are in constant need for approval by others and in this process, we often forget what our true identity is. It can be a positive thing if we are surrounded by like-minded people, as it often shapes our personality for the better.

From Mr Ash Shah

UAE

We need boundaries

Trying to be cool specifically affects the younger generation, rather than the older. In trying to look cool, we end up losing our most important element – our personality. When we try to be cool, our attitude towards certain things change. We are all individuals who think differently from others. It’s not wrong to be cool, but it should be done within a particular boundary.

From Ms Vismaya Sanilkumar

UAE

A positive impact

What is interesting is that eventually there are aspects of our society that evolve on the basis of what is considered ‘cool’. Living in Sydney, Australia and having done quite a bit of research, what is considered ‘cool’ for young adults is when they are able to succeed in some sporting field. The ‘give it a go’ attitude that exists among those pursuing sports isn’t encouraged among the young innovators in the country, explaining the dearth of entrepreneurs’ in Australia’s business environment.

However, on a positive note, what is considered ‘cool’ can also adapt to changing conditions. For example, with the new software company initiated in the country, called Atlassian, two young CEOs are billionaires today. This serves as an impetus for those who wanted the ‘cool’ factor to be placed among the country’s entrepreneurs as it is the case among America’s Silicon Valley geniuses.

From Mr Govind Mohandas

UAE

Try to branch out

Being cool has become as necessary as food, shelter and clothing these days. Sadly, we have become so obsessed with impressing others and following trends that in doing so, we are losing our individuality. Most of us, whether or not we admit it, try to be part of the ‘cool’ crowd. Sometimes it’s by having the latest phone or simply following the latest fashion fads. The pressure to be a part of the group and be a follower instead of taking the lead is what prevents us from being different and appreciating the good in ourselves.

From Ms Fatima Suhail

Sharjah

Individuality in all of us

There are those that follow and those that lead. For example, you could never consider Albert Einstein to be part of the crowd, neither Confucius, Galileo, Christopher Columbus. Neither many modern standalone examples such as Stephen Hawking and Bill Gates. Then there are those that think out of the box, such as Nostradamus and those who are visionaries, like the author Jules Verne. But, the vast majority of us, whilst we have our own thoughts and beliefs, are shy to expose ourselves to the world for fear of the consequences, which could be both good and bad.

So, I personally believe that we all have a certain amount of individuality and some have more than others. I believe we are best summed up by the words of Rene Descartes who said: “I think therefore I am.”

We all are capable to think so therefore it follows we are who we are.

From Mr David Woodward

Dubai

It’s a good thing

Mostly cool depends on our minds with our behaviour and talking with others. With groups, cool is exhibited through clothes, eating habits and walking to fit in. Over all, by personal habits or a group’s ‘cool’ behaviour, I think it is a theory to be welcomed. A good, cool topic.

From Mr K. Ragavan

Bengaluru, India

Always affecting us

With time evolving ever so fast and in a world where only the fittest survive, most people often resort to being ‘cool’. By definition, being cool usually means staying calm and composed in stressful situations. However, as the generation transcends itself into anything but the ordinary, so does the definition of being ‘cool’. Now it often refers to the youth and their actions as either popular or unpopular.

It is sad to see that we live in an era when the decisions and interests of others are often given more importance than our own. It follows the understanding that our actions are time and again influenced by what our peers and friends deem cool. Coolness is a paradox of control in which most people are often blinded by what is moral and ethical and generally, go out of their way, which is generally considered wrong and immoral, just to be called cool. But regardless of all that, being aware of the fact that society rules the world, it usually affects us more than we’d want it to. So in conclusion, yes, I do agree that the intent of being cool and the fear of being considered as an outcast in society always affects our daily lives and our actions.

From Ms Shivani Singh

UAE

A test of character

Did you not reach for that cigarette knowing very well that smoking was not for asthmatics or did you not pretend to enjoy a football match, cheering after every goal even though cricket was the game you actually enjoyed watching or were you disappointed that your Facebook entry was five likes short of the 100 mark?

Humans have been considered the smartest and the most ‘intelligent’ species on Earth, yet no matter how old or young, we deem it important to alter our personalities in order to suit the perceptions of our peers. As the world gets more connected and souls get more detached, we cling on to the need for approval.

Improving our personalities based on positive criticism, interests and experience, it is constructive to our behaviour but not towards preserving one’s individuality. That is a true test of strength of one’s character. Our uniqueness is what defines us. Aping our peers to please them gives us joy that is fleeting, but preserving our individuality gives us confidence and respect that is more satisfying simply because we are worth it.

From Ms Pranitha Menon

Dubai

To each their own!

Yes, at least the majority of the younger generation are governed by this cool attitude and blindly copy their peers. They call it as being trendy and cool. Keeping phones on silent is the ‘in’ thing. I wonder why? If you are in a classroom, this is understood, but even at home? Why?

Then, it is cool to study and ask about your doubts in what you’re being taught on Whatsapp.

Gone are good old days when you used to pick up the phone and have a heart-to-heart conversation. Fashion trends are a bit different. I think it is cool to be cool and move with the times, but with decency in its limits.

I will stop my complaining and just say, be cool by following your heart and your head. Don’t copy blindly. See what suits you best. To each their own.

From Ms Neha Dadlani

UAE

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