As a teenager, I have noticed an increase in a conservative mindset among my peers. Through a few swipes on TikTok, it is clear to see that it has become more normalized since 2020 for teens to marry right out of high school.

Societal pressure to get married early, have kids and live a modest lifestyle has been more prominent than ever; however, I thoroughly believe we need to cherish our youth while we still can.

I believe social media and our current political state has caused a lean towards a conservative approach to young adulthood.

Gen Z has always been attracted to polarizing politics. We were raised in a progressive society; with revolutionary laws regarding LGBT+ marriage being passed and protests around the country for social justice, many teens no longer fear being outcasted for their beliefs or lifestyle.

I believe this has caused the far-right influx among many teens; young people are no longer scared of controversy. Rather, they are attracted to the conservative lifestyle once held against them; they want the nuclear home back.

The nuclear home represents a time period in America that is portrayed as great, with lower taxes, lower crime rates and bigger families across the country. When exposed to such ideas, many teens believe that this lifestyle may be the only way to escape the economic recession and political instability we currently face— even if this means readopting the oppressive attitudes towards minorities at the time.

This mentality is repressing the minds of many young people. It may be easy to glamorize the past, but it is crucial to be realistic with the attributes a traditional lifestyle offers.

Influencers like Nara Smith have propelled this idea. While her and her husband are both wealthy models, she chooses to only showcase her all-organic recipes and trad-wife lifestyle in Connecticut.

This has caused many to be attracted to such a conservative lifestyle. These influencers promise a life of stability and security, something many young people lack in their life.

They also reject the modern ideals once forced upon us, such as the standard 9-5 job, reliance on the government, and the independent woman philosophy. Young adults have always been known to rebel, and our generation has been raised to question what society deems normal, so it is no surprise so many are being influenced by these social media celebrities.

While I do believe that everyone deserves to find love and that marriage should be a safe place for every couple, this is far from reality to the majority of women who truly have to live this life.

For generations, women were forced to surround their lives around motherhood and did not receive the same freedoms we have today. Expression was suppressed and many women’s lives were decided for them before they were even able to graduate.

This is why it is so important to take advantage of our youth, as it may be our only time to fully embrace the world as it is. Late teens have the opportunity to decide where they want to go to college, travel the world, and expose themselves to new opportunities for experimentation; This is a very modern privilege.

I want more teenagers to realize that it is okay to be young. You do not have to pressure yourself early on to get married, find a stable job and live the cookie-cutter life. The five second clips you see on TikTok are only glimpses of their reality.

As you get older, life will continue giving you opportunities to experience your dreams. It is very critical you take advantage of these opportunities and choose to create your own reality. Remember, it is okay to be young.