Instead of focusing on how advanced technology can be detrimental, as I have done twice now, and possibly more if you consider my enthusiastic use of social media, I should turn my attention to where Gen-Z is heading. This perspective ties back to my earlier column about the forced stagnation of media, which often feels like a repetitive cycle of copies. My form of rebellion is to use my phones until they are practically obsolete before replacing them, rather than upgrading to the latest model every year or two. For other items, there is a need for delayed gratification, saving up for something better and more durable from a reputable brand—no free advertising, but I will gladly endorse my Kitchen-Aid stand mixer—rather than opting for the first item that seems useful and affordable. This approach is also reflected in the gradual reclamation of third spaces. Coffee shops are no longer just places for individuals to work alone on their laptops or for groups to pass through after a morning workout. I sense a return to the café's original purpose: a place to meet new people, interact, and exchange ideas openly, away from the confines of chatrooms or social media echo chambers. The first time someone responded to me in public, it startled me, but there is comfort in knowing I can express my feelings and be challenged for them, for whatever reason. The point is, just as we are forming new friendships across various divides, we are learning that we might have mistrusted people we should have been in solidarity with. Getting off topic. Phew. One subtle expression of this, which I believe everyone benefits from, though only Gen-Z seems fully aware, is how we can become deeply engrossed in niche hobbies and topics, often a small handful that cross your social media feed or while you're looking for something to watch, like a documentary or a series to binge. This kind of interest in a niche topic allows you to have a hobby that is entirely your own, whether you actively engage in it or not. Maybe you watch documentaries about the history of fonts, or deep dives on urbanism and architecture (me), or even video game playthroughs, even if you're not a gamer and have no desire to be one. It's simply something that allows your mind to relax and be enriched. I think of it as the opposite of the 'how do you drive a supercar' logic—do you drive carefully every day, using it to take your kids to school and fetch groceries, or do you carve out a day once a month to take it to the track and really see what it can do? Similarly, the mind needs to chill. Gen-Z is more aware of this need and generally has better internal awareness of their mental health needs. More importantly, as mentioned in column #9, mental health is not an all-or-nothing game—it's a buffet. In the same way, technology, media, or hobbies, it doesn't need to be hyper-advanced for us to engage with it; otherwise, everything new would be popular with everyone all the time. A niche hobby or a stand-mixer from a legacy brand is a little bit of peace protection. An island of calm in a chaotic world.