The web series “Adolescents” opens with a harrowing scene where a thirteen-year-old boy fatally stabs a female classmate on the street. This series is explored for its deep dive into the origins of teenage violence amidst the unsettling backdrop of frequent episodes of youth aggression that occur in various regions of Kerala. It provides a poignant visual exploration and seeks to understand the underlying causes of such distressing incidents among the youth.
The discussion surrounding this series delves into its status as an iconic visual exploration into the antecedents of youth violence. Prior to the tragic incident, a significant event unfolds as Officer Luke, a police figure, arrives at the school to conduct inquiries. His investigation predominately focuses on the digital interactions within an Instagram chatroom, involving the victim, the alleged perpetrator, and other students. Concurrently, the atmosphere intensifies as his son, a student at the same institution, feels the pressure of the stagnant investigation. Amidst this stress, he shares his concerns with his father, providing a personal insight into the ripple effects of the ongoing investigation.
The officer, who perceives himself to possess superior knowledge and experience over his son due to his advanced age, extensive training, and professional background, and the elders he represents, addresses the adolescent. The son expresses his disappointment and embarrassment in witnessing his father’s apparent ignorance in this digital realm. He stresses the importance of understanding that emojis, commonly used on platforms such as Instagram, carry specific meanings and serve as communicative signals. The teenage boy provided an insightful correction to the police officer who believed he had misinterpreted Instagram messages he reviewed during an investigation. This interaction symbolizes more than just a dialogue between fictional characters in a web series; it represents a pivotal moment where an ‘updated’ generation is cautioning and challenging an ‘outdated’ generation to evolve and adapt.
Time is creating a revolution of ignorance in the literary domain, characterized by a growing disconnect between generations. As each generation fades away, there seems to be a loss of common linguistic ground. This expanding chasm is leading to a scenario where older generations struggle to relate to and communicate with the tech-savvy youth of today. The rich tapestry of language that once facilitated deep intergenerational connections is gradually fraying, creating barriers rather than bridges.
Rizz, Sus, Fire, Shook, Lit, Bussing, Gucci, Simp, Thirsty, Tea, Bet, Fit Check, Gatekeeper, Ghost, Vibe Check, Sleep on… While we are acquainted with the traditional English alphabet, the extent to which these emerging terms, comprised of novel combinations, have been integrated into the lexicons of adult populations remains to be seen over time.
The words previously mentioned neither represent our intended vocabulary nor convey the meanings or interpretations we ascribed to them. Douglas Rushkoff calls them screenagers who express their love and hatred through symbols and signs that are uniquely comprehensible to those engrossed in contemporary digital culture. The choice of colours used holds profound implications—it can evoke love, invoke possession, or provoke violence. Consequently, in this narrative, a boy’s commitment is shattered by the mere misuse of a word (bullying), prompting a retaliatory response. In the story Adolescence, the boy protagonist resorts to violence due to the deep wounds inflicted by bullying words.
Adults often witness the external manifestations of children’s distress, such as screaming, fighting, and retaliation, but fail to recognize the underlying psychological conflicts that precede these actions. Before entering into physical confrontations, young individuals are already engaged in confrontations on digital platforms, which act as modern arenas for conflict. The internal struggles, intense desires, pains, doubts, misunderstandings, temptations, and transgressions, intensify without being acknowledged or addressed by authoritative figures. Despite these signs, even when the struggles are eventually noticed, they are frequently misunderstood or dismissed by adults.
As the scene unfolds, the camera enters the room of a handcuffed teenager, accused of murder, and reveals the emotional turmoil experienced by his parents. Their expressions, laden with guilt and grief, underscore the gravity of the situation. Amidst this poignant scene, the father, overwhelmed by emotion, tearfully remembers his son expressing his remorse. He apologizes on behalf of all adults who fail to grasp the nuanced “language” of the teenagers—the unspoken cues and misunderstood gestures that can define the teenage experience. His apology sheds light on the recurring tragedies that befall young individuals who are misinterpreted by those in authority. The father’s heartfelt plea underscores the urgent need for parents, teachers, and guardians to familiarize themselves with this ‘new language’ to foster better understanding and communication.
