Young People and Shopping Malls

In certain countries, it has become increasingly common for young people to spend their free time at malls, which is often viewed negatively. In my opinion, while there are certainly more productive activities, overall, it should be considered a positive choice compared to other likely alternatives.

Those in favor of this viewpoint argue that malls are generally not the most productive use of one's time. Activities at the mall typically involve shopping, watching movies, idle socializing with friends, eating at fast-food establishments, or engaging in other passive pursuits. There are undoubtedly better uses of time such as participating in sports, reading books, engaging in artistic endeavors, or pursuing work-related activities. The rise of malls globally in the 1980s coincided with a period when younger individuals began drifting away from healthier activities and indulging in more socially and personally subversive pastimes.

However, the concerns associated with spending time at malls are often exaggerated when compared to other prevalent passive activities. Nowadays, many young people dedicate a significant portion of their free time to truly unhealthy and passive pursuits, particularly those involving technology. This includes wasting time on social media, taking pictures, playing online games, engaging in online chats, streaming movies and videos, and extensively using the internet. In this context, spending time at the mall can actually be a better use of one's time, as it often involves in-person socializing, which is a domain that is increasingly at risk for younger generations and society as a whole.

In conclusion, although spending time at malls may not be the most ideal activity for young people, it should not be condemned as it is preferable to a more passive lifestyle. However, it is worth noting that malls are likely to continue declining in popularity, making this concern less relevant in the future.