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Islamic Solutions to Gen Z's Cognitive Challenges… M. Agha Mohammadi (73
needed to thrive in a complex and Lastly, virtual interactions allow users
rapidly evolving digital landscape. By to create and engage with idealized
addressing these issues proactively, it versions of themselves or their
is possible to help this generation experiences, often termed "avatars."
harness the benefits of technology while This ability can foster a sense of
mitigating its potential drawbacks. control over how one is perceived,
Below, five cognitive challenges providing a buffer against the inherent
confronting this generation will be vulnerabilities of real-life interactions
analyzed. These challenges are derived (Tourjée, 2016). Getting accustomed to
through inductive reasoning and there virtual life causes the boundaries between
may be additional cognitive challenges the virtual and reality to blur in a person's
that have yet to be identified. mind. Consequently, individuals may
fail to recognize their real priorities in
1. Falling Into the Trap of Virtual Life life and may make mistakes in
The breakthroughs in IT such as the prioritizing their goals and values. To
virtual life or “second life”, made the avoid such cognitive harm, Islam has
modern man more confused in defining some practical recommendations from
himself, his values, goals, and purpose many, some can be mentioned such as:
of life; going that much further
sometimes to prefer to live as their • Appreciating The Value of Time
avatars in the second life or spending Valuing time and recognizing that
long hours a day in the virtual life by worldly life is a farm for the Hereafter
being connected to social media, trying can help individuals avoid becoming
to run away from the realities, overwhelmed by virtual life and daily
hardships, and challenges of the real distractions. This perspective leads to a
life. This preference can be attributed change in one’s understanding of life
to the nature of online communication, and how to utilize time effectively as
the psychological comfort it provides, Imam Ali said, “The opportunities pass
as well as the opportunities it presents. like the clouds, so seize them for doing
Individuals with introverted tendencies good deeds” (Sharīf al-Raḍī, 11th
often find it challenging to vocalize century CE, p. 471).
their thoughts in face-to-face settings Parents can implement a structured
due to social anxieties or public afternoon routine for their Gen Z children
speaking fears (Mehta, 2017). that prioritizes time management and
It also enables individuals to connect reduces excessive virtual life
with like-minded people beyond engagement. For example, the routine
geographical boundaries and to broaden can be designed around the concept of
their social networks (Thomas, 2016). "Unplugged Hours," where children are
