Self-driving cars, robots, and phones that identify your face—welcome to the 21st century. With constantly updating inventions, teenagers today often hear the phrase “back in my day” from their parents or any older figure. Usually, the words go through one ear and out the other.

It may be hard to believe, but the generations before grew up without the multiple social media sites we use today. This raises a fascinating question: is being a teenager now better than it was previously?

In the past, teenagers socialized face-to-face. In order to spend time with their friends, they had to physically knock on their door. When they had a crush on someone, they had to risk rejection. And if they wanted to pick on others, they couldn’t hide behind a screen.

Teenagers used to watch cartoons every Sunday morning and obsess over the latest boy bands. These interests connected them, not through Snapchat, but through real life.

What ever happened to family dinners that didn’t include a cell phone buzzing on the table?

This generation lacks compassion, ambition, and responsibility. Technology is simply an invisible wall that disconnects us.

Teenagers learned important lessons in the past that shaped them into successful adults.

They worshiped people who made a difference instead of the superficial figures we have now.

If we continue to ignore the moving world around us and fail to learn for ourselves, we’ll crash and burn.

Like Ferris Bueller said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around, you might miss something.”