The influence of the ever-changing era and rapid technological advancements have created a new social phenomenon known as the Strawberry Generation. In the writing by Renald Kasali in 2018, titled "Strawberry Generation, Transforming Fragile Generation into Resilient Generation," this generation is identified as the group born in the late 1990s to the early 2000s. The term "Strawberry Generation" characterizes their perceived weakness and lack of resilience in facing challenges and life difficulties.

The Strawberry Generation has a high exposure to technology and the internet. They grew up in a digital world that is continuously evolving, where everything can be accessed quickly and easily. However, the downside of this technology dependency is that they tend to be impatient and have difficulty dealing with complex issues. This can be observed in their habit of seeking immediate answers from the internet without making an effort to find solutions independently.

Nevertheless, as a generation that learns from past shortcomings, the Strawberry Generation also exhibits positive characteristics that set them apart. They are intelligent, innovative, and quick to adapt. Being accustomed to technological advancements, they can cope with changes swiftly and leverage them to find effective solutions.

In the aforementioned article, Renald Kasali emphasizes the crucial roles of parents, educators, and society in helping the Strawberry Generation grow and evolve into a resilient generation. Parents and educators should provide appropriate guidance and support, instill values, and encourage active participation in various activities. With positive reinforcement and support from those around them, the Strawberry Generation can better overcome their inability to deal with pressure.

Additionally, it is essential for this generation to develop emotional intelligence and self-reliance. The ability to manage emotions and handle pressure is key to becoming a resilient and adaptive generation. In a fast-paced and complex world, this skill is invaluable in facing various life situations.

The Strawberry Generation is also marked by changes in the paradigm of education. They tend to seek inclusive and relevant education to the real world. Conventional education that solely relies on formal teaching is no longer their primary choice. This generation prefers a practical approach to education, focusing on real-life experiences and the application of knowledge.

Another interesting phenomenon that needs attention within the Strawberry Generation is their pattern of social interaction. Despite being globally connected through the internet and social media, many of them face challenges in communicating face-to-face. This phenomenon is known as "social awkwardness," where some individuals are less skilled in social interactions in the real world.

Nevertheless, as a creative generation, they have found new ways to interact. For example, they often seek opportunities to participate in community events, group discussions, or collaborative projects involving individuals from various backgrounds. This way, they overcome social awkwardness and build stronger social connections.

Another significant challenge faced by the Strawberry Generation is mental health issues. High levels of stress and anxiety are often the result of pressures and expectations from various aspects of life. Technology, particularly social media, also plays a role in reinforcing feelings of low self-esteem and dissatisfaction, as they often compare themselves to idealized images presented on social platforms.

Therefore, a holistic approach to supporting the mental health of the Strawberry Generation is crucial. Parents, educators, and society as a whole should create a supportive environment and encourage this generation to take care of their mental health. Psychological support, sports, arts, and relaxation techniques can be part of the strategy to improve their mental well-being.

As a continuously evolving generation with great potential, the Strawberry Generation also carries the responsibility of contributing to addressing social and environmental issues. They are a generation that cares and is sensitive to issues such as climate change, social inequality, and human rights. Many of them are involved in social actions, environmental campaigns, and charitable activities to achieve positive changes in society.

In conclusion, the Strawberry Generation may have been labeled as a fragile and less resilient generation. However, Renald Kasali's writing in 2018 invites us to see the positive potential in this generation. With appropriate support, guidance, and opportunities, the Strawberry Generation has significant potential to become a resilient, adaptive, and resilient generation in facing future challenges. Through a holistic approach that includes mental health support and the development of social skills, they can become a positive force for change and shape a better future. They are an intelligent, innovative, and passionate generation who will bring positive change and shape a better future.

Date of Input: 02/08/2023 | Updated: 28/11/2023 | zul_mohd