You can’t help but notice how generations differ from one another. Each generation has its own strengths and weaknesses. When the advantages are weighed against the disadvantages, we are left with the question of how much quality these advantages have as the generations evolve. From the Greatest Generation to Generation Alpha, the most significant advancement has been technology. In many instances, technology can either be a blessing or a curse. The fact that artificial intelligence will take over our future and eliminate a large number of human jobs is potentially a curse for many. However, my focus is on how this advancement has stunted the ability of human beings to some extent while also providing immense help to our society on countless occasions.

One of the main soft skills that has stagnated, or rather shown a slow incline, is the ability to solve problems. Since computers were once used as assistance, they are now being utilized as replacements. Unfortunately, computers are benefitting from heightened problem-solving skills, leaving human beings with fewer reasons to develop this essential skill.

The skill of problem-solving is perhaps not given much attention among our younger generation, although 63% of recruiters look for this skill in their hiring process. Problem solving involves identifying an issue, analyzing a situation, making decisions, and finding solutions. If all we do with our children is give them a screen to play with when they start throwing tantrums, we are laying the groundwork for weak problem-solving skills. There is not much thought in that, is there?

When a child is throwing a fit, there is clearly a problem. Instead of identifying the issue and analyzing how we can reach sustainable and correct solutions, we take the easy way out and distract them with a screen. As a result, we have children who are in dire need of imaginative, fueled activities and outdoor play to build a strong mind. We have allowed technology to “help” us take care of our children so that we can enjoy our time. There is no discrimination against parents who are doing this, but a child’s firsthand experience with this skill comes from their parents. The extent to which they have experienced this interpersonal skill within their homes is later explored within the environment of their schools. Consequently, how much their school and its curriculum have developed this skill will now be expressed in their workplace setting. We have a duty as parents and educators to cultivate this skill in our younger generation.

We should actively limit the use of technology in developing this skill, using it only as minimal assistance, not a replacement. The active use of technology by young children stunts the progress of vital critical thinking skills. Children, teens, and young adults should be taught the art of problem-solving through simple and complex situations, even in technology-rich environments. The issue we face is that in older generations, parents were more involved in their children’s affairs, while current parents are often focused on self-interests, forgetting the importance of their children’s growth, especially regarding soft skills such as problem-solving.

Engaging with problem-solving at work is important. This skill requires effort. If we have been spoon-fed from a young age, it will be difficult for us to take initiative because solutions are not always apparent and are never handed to you as a great catch. There is a lot of research and exploration involved, depending on the nature of the problem. The efficiency and effectiveness with which one arrives at a viable solution depend on how well the skill has been honed. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) emphasizes gauging this skill at various ages and levels across different settings to produce policies that pertain to the country and provide opportunities for developing problem-solving skills in formal education, lifelong learning, and the context of e-government services.

As parents and educators, we have a responsibility to foster the growth of problem-solving skills in our children. We can start by recognizing the importance of this skill and how we can use our daily activities to cultivate it within them. We should be aware of how to remove distractions that hinder the development of this skill, using technology not as a replacement for our duties and roles but mindfully weaving it as a strength for future information and communication technology (ICT) usage.

Moreover, we should create environments where children feel safe to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them, as these experiences are crucial for developing resilience and resourcefulness. Let us vigilantly raise problem-solvers, innovators, troubleshooters, fixers, and ultimate winners through our actions, whether as educators or parents! By investing in the development of problem-solving skills today, we are preparing our children for the challenges of tomorrow, ensuring they can adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.