Channeling Authenticity

Shriver spoke about connections – genuine, tangible, human connections – through technology, through spirit and engagement, and through authentic, universal experiences. These relationships, he believes, will contribute to the values that shape where our generation is headed.

We live in a society that is undoubtedly more connected than ever before. Instant communication is made available through texting and emailing, a layer of audio and visual connection is added with Skype and FaceTime, and social networking sites serve as a venue for sharing personal message, photos, videos, ideas and information. Although online social networks and blogging sites are indispensible forums for conversation and collaboration with a broad audience, if used as a substitute for personable, face-to-face relationships, then technology can be dehumanizing and toxic to the health of human interaction. Instead, services made possible through enhanced technology must be used as an initial gateway to open channels of communication that might otherwise be hindered by geographical borders, language barriers, or generational differences. Shriver encourages our generation to think about how we can best leverage the tools of distribution and outreach that technology offers to then articulate our visions beyond the screen and into reality.

Shriver also commented on our generation’s shift away from traditional religious engagement, as demonstrated in the survey. Perhaps more of us are identifying as “religiously unaffiliated” and are no longer looking towards religious institutions, doctrines, or dogmas to guide our moral compass; however, a community of spirit seems to still be very much alive. We are a generation teeming with creativity and passion for community service, interfaith dialogue, and equal opportunity. Not only do we make our voices heard, but we demand action in response. Tim Shriver named “universal dignity” the iconic value of our generation. He suggested that Millennials are committed to the idea of tolerance, as evidenced by both our resistance to the discriminatory nature of some religions and our support for same-sex marriage. To echo Shriver’s closing remarks, our generation will find authenticity in those who are “channeling something true,” and our willingness to share ourselves honestly with others is what will connect us at the most fundamental level of human interaction.