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Islamic Solutions to Gen Z's Cognitive Challenges… M. Agha Mohammadi (71
generation, many of whom experienced American company Linden Research, Inc.
their formative years without such Second Life allows users to create and
ubiquitous digital technology manage the lives of avatars they create in
(Amberblog, 2023). Over 90% of Gen Z an advanced social setting with other
members own a smartphone, with 94% online “Residents.” Although it parallels a
indicating that smartphones are their video game in some ways, Second Life
preferred device for accessing social lacks typical gaming objectives. Instead, it
media and content, reflecting a deeper presents a world where users can create a
integration of technology into their daily persona and build a virtual life (Ray, 2012).
lives than previous cohorts (CTA, 2024).
Method of Research
2. Generation X, Y, and Z Using a descriptive and analytical approach,
The generation born between 1965 and the paper is based on Cognitive-Behavioral
1980 is called 'Generation X. “Anyone Theory (CBT) as its theoretical framework.
born between 1981 and 1996 is considered CBT is a well-established psychological
a Millennial, also known as Generation Y, framework that focuses on identifying
and anyone born from 1997 onward is part and changing unhelpful cognitive
of a new generation who came to be called distortions and behaviors. It can be
Generation Z, the iGeneration, and Home particularly useful for addressing the
landers” (Dimock, 2019). The term cognitive challenges faced by Gen Z,
Generation Z colloquially known as such as identity crises, susceptibility to
Zoomers is used to refer to people born in gaslighting, and information overload.
the late 1990s and early 2000s. This framework allows for a structured
The term is modeled on boomer, a analysis of how thoughts influence
common shortening of baby boomer, and emotions and behaviors while integrating
earlier use of zoomer referred to physically spiritual and ethical guidance from
active baby boomer (Merriam-Webster, Islamic teachings.
2021). It is commonly called Gen Z, and The first step in practicing Cognitive
Gen Zers for short. This generation is Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is to clearly
considered to last till 2012 and after that define the specific issue or problem that the
comes Generation Alpha (Warren, 2024). individuals are facing. Data regarding these
Gen Zers are the first generation never to challenges is collected from observations
know the world without the internet (Katz and research conducted by others.
et al., 2021, p. 1). Following this, Islamic solutions are
proposed, incorporating behavioral
3. Second life activation techniques that encourage
Second Life is a life-simulation network on individuals to engage in enriching activities
the Internet created in 2003 by the
to effectively address these challenges.
