In an age of unprecedented access to technology and resources, we like to believe that support is just a click or call away. Countless hotline numbers, shelters, community centers, and mental health or emergency services help those who have fallen victim to the devastating experience of human trafficking. These resources are vital lifelines for many, pulling people from the grasp of a horrible situation. But the truth is, the most impactful support doesn’t come from institutions. Instead, it comes from the people closest to us — our friends, family and loved ones.
The following editorial was originally published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Sunday, February 2nd as part of the “Raise Your Hand” column in the Insight section.
By Edward Wirtz, Ka'u High Class of 2025
Technology is deeply intertwined with nearly every aspect of life, and for the youngest
generation, it is almost impossible to imagine a world without smartphones, social media, and
constant connectivity. With its increasing prevalence, there is no denying technology’s profound
influence on shaping the next generation.
On one hand, these digital tools can be empowering, enabling young people to
communicate and grow in ways unseen in human history. On the other hand, technology
presents new challenges, including mental health issues, social isolation, and an erosion of
traditional developmental milestones — the full extent of which we are only beginning to
comprehend.
Humans are naturally curious creatures, and it is this curiosity that has driven innovation
and advancement throughout history. But in today's world, where answers are just a fingertip
away, we exercise our ability to think less and less. This is particularly concerning in education,
where true learning requires active engagement and independent problem-solving. With
transformative technologies like generative AI, it is becoming easy to bypass this process, using
AI to do anything from solving math problems to writing essays with little to no effort. While
some may be tempted to dismiss this as a harmless annoyance or simply “kids being kids,” the
long-term effects of such reliance on AI remain unknown. Once a tool to enhance creativity,
technology is now being used in ways that undermine it.
Generative AI isn’t the only factor hindering our ability to think critically and freely. Social
media is another powerful force shaping today’s youth. Although some argue that social media
can be a positive influence, platforms and algorithms designed to cater to personal interests and
viewpoints can be especially dangerous to developing and impressionable minds. Constant
exposure to idealized versions of life can foster unrealistic expectations and contribute to a
warped sense of self-worth. Young people are constantly looking within and increasingly
measuring their value through likes, comments, and follower counts. Researchers are beginning
to find that social media use is not merely correlated with adverse mental health outcomes, but
may actually cause them.
That is why it is more important than ever to make genuine human connections. For
previous generations, these connections were a natural part of life. Today, however, they must
be actively sought.
Recently, I went on a ski trip with my little cousin who is constantly on his phone or iPad
rather than engaging with family and friends. But during this trip, he put his devices away. We
skied for hours a day, enjoying the beautiful outdoors without phones and devices to distract us.
While we skied, I learned more about my cousin — his interests, personal life, and so much
more — building a genuine connection with him over our shared love of skiing.
This experience made me realize how crucial it is to nurture these connections and
experience the world without distractions. Instead of allowing screens to become the primary
source of entertainment for young children, adults should actively promote an interest in the
natural world, encourage outdoor activities, foster a love for reading, spend device-free family
time together, and support participation in extracurricular activities. And no matter what stage of
life we’re in, we should remember to put the phone down, take a moment to appreciate what’s
beyond the screen, and ground ourselves in reality. Human connections are right at our
fingertips, and screens do not have all the answers.
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For many, the aloha spirit has been reduced to a brand. It’s something to be sold and
marketed to visitors who want to “live aloha” for a week before flying home. Others say
that modern distractions have left people too exhausted to show up for one another like
they used to. Generosity becomes difficult when you’re working long hours and barely
scraping by. With Hawaii’s high cost of living, continued housing crisis, and economic
uncertainty, people are stretched thin — and when your plate is already full, there’s little
room to consider the needs of others.
A key priority of DOGE is eliminating wasteful government spending. One of its most
controversial initiatives thus far has been scaling back Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs.
While some may view this move as an attack on diversity and inclusion itself, DEI initiatives
have been used to justify policies that are questionable at best. During the Biden administration,
the Department of Education alone spent over $1 billion on DEI programs, raising concerns
about whether this truly serves the nation’s interests. With DOGE’s help and guidance, much-
needed change can be made.
The standard for emergency preparedness according to the American Red Cross is
having shelter, first aid, food, water and sanitation that lasts at least 14 days. However, only
about 12% of Hawaii households meet the standard for emergency preparedness.