De-Vice | Azai Willis | TEDxAlpha School Austin Youth

Social Impact & Mental Health - One out of four individuals in Gen Z are diagnosed with depression [1] - 53% of Gen Z report feelings of loneliness and failure to achieve life goals [1] - People are spending an average of 55 hours on mobile phones, 25 hours on social media, and 2 hours on video games daily, totaling 10 hours on screens [4] Addiction & Dopamine - The core issue is addiction to dopamine, a chemical released in the brain that drives individuals to choose pleasure over hard work [3][4] - Repeated actions carve neural pathways in the brain, leading to potential addiction [2] Solutions & Countermeasures - The antidote to dopamine addiction is discipline and nature [5] - Nature offers benefits such as reduced stress and anxiety, a stronger immune system, improved cognitive functions, and increased self-confidence [5] - Discipline is essential for achieving goals and building a fulfilling life [5][6] The Future & Potential - Resisting digital distractions allows individuals to maintain their humanity, which will become increasingly valuable in a digitized world [10][11] - The younger generation has the power and potential to change the world [11]