It’s not easy for youth growing up in the modern world, according to Viacom Global Consumer Insights’ new study of over 7,000 young people aged 16-24 in 14 countries*.  In fact, 93% of youth globally feel that it’s hard being young today.

Youth today are ‘always on.’ They are in the know about what’s happening all the time. Whether it’s a financial meltdown, refugee crisis, feminist issue, terrorist attack or environmental threat, they are keeping up to date in real-time. In fact, it’s hard to avoid – and this hyperawareness makes them wise beyond their years.

Today’s teens don’t remember a world without the Internet, social media and mobile phones. Born into tech and growing up in a digital world, they have developed a love/hate relationship with their online addictions.

“I hate how much I use social media, though. I hate how much I use it, but it’s so addictive. You just can’t stop. It’s terrible.” – Olivia, 20, Australia

Youth are countering their complex relationship to technology with a holistic attitude towards life.  Success is less about accomplishment than about chasing their dreams. In fact, those attempts at fulfilling their ambitions can be just as valuable as real achievements…

Click here to see all articles from our Youth In Flux project.

* This project employed a range of qualitative methods (video diaries, ethnographic interviews, an online community and a co-creation ‘pajama party’), as well as a survey of almost 7,471 people aged 16-24 across 14 countries: Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, UK, USA.