In contemporary times, the phenomenon of infantilization manifests itself as the act of treating adults as if they were children. This dynamic creates a network of dependency in which the adult is constantly in need of direction and guidance. This trend, known as the infantilization of society, implies a growing promotion of childish attitudes and ways of life that were not historically associated with adulthood.
The concept of youth has been redefined today. It is no longer limited to a biological transitional stage, but has become a deeply ingrained life choice, largely driven by the relentless influence of the media. Interestingly, the stereotype of the unmotivated adult does not resemble the exploited worker or the exhausted housewife of times past.
Today, a new kind of pseudo-adult emerges, someone who is convinced of what offends him and has a disdain for what he does not understand. This individual resembles a "big child" who has evolved from being protected by his parents to being validated and pampered by a society immersed in infantilization.
Infantilization is a growing trend, fueled by overparenting and the ease of access to information in the digital age. It is reflected in the adherence to more youthful attitudes and the resistance to assuming responsibilities that come with adulthood. Despite its nuances, this phenomenon points to a change in perception and expectations around adulthood and youth, questioning the very meaning of maturity and independence in a society increasingly influenced by media and cultural trends.
The infantilization of society: An analysis of the research of Nathan Winner and Bonnie Nicholson
In 2018, researchers Nathan Winner and Bonnie Nicholson of the University of Southern Mississippi undertook a study that addressed the phenomenon of infantilization in contemporary society. This phenomenon, popularly known as “helicopter parenting,” was the central focus of their research, which examines its implications in the lives of young people and how it has permeated various social spheres.
Overparenting, as highlighted in research, is no longer limited to the family environment. Winner and Nicholson's findings reveal that this parenting style, characterized by an overly protective approach, has infiltrated widespread areas of society, including educational institutions, advertising campaigns, opinion trends, and the media. In many cases, these influences have replaced the paternal figure, absolving young people of responsibilities and consequences.
This pattern of overprotection, although motivated by the intention of protecting young people from challenges and difficulties, can have adverse effects on their development and autonomy. The lack of opportunities to face and overcome challenges on their own could result in a decrease in resilience and the ability to deal with adversity in adulthood.
The study also highlights how this form of parenting has left its mark on education and on today's media culture. Educational institutions, in order to adapt to the demands of overprotective parents, have had to modify their methods and expectations. In parallel, the media and advertising contribute to a narrative that promotes indulgence and the absence of consequences.
The role of the media and job insecurity in the transformation of life stages
The media, the State, markets and advertising play a crucial role in reshaping the life stages of people. The overparenting promoted by these actors often takes the place of the paternal figure, while the precariousness of the workplace becomes a justification for this dynamic.
News programmes, for example, have increased their coverage of sensationalist news and morbid crimes, triggering a feeling of vulnerability in society. At the same time, political language has become dogmatic and lacking genuine support, moving away from the complexity that characterises adult morality.
In the television world, reality shows are a constant, offering entertainment without any reflective depth. This phenomenon is intertwined with the growth of the use of anti-aging cosmetics, Botox injections and sexual drugs, which reflects a widespread pattern of conscious avoidance of biological age.
Through the state, for example by levying more and more taxes and providing financial assistance for everything. This causes people not to want to make an effort and work, since they can survive thanks to the rewards of the state.
This trend extends even to the way people decide to start a family. The responsibility for parenting seems to be shifting increasingly to grandparents, teachers and institutions. In parallel, the constant and commercialised exposure of children on social media shows the most problematic face of infantilised parenting, where privacy and responsible parenting are compromised.
The psychological rejection of adulthood in the era of infantilization
The connotations of liberalism, liquidity, individualism and presentism that characterized postmodernism have gradually given way to a genuine psychological rejection of the stage of adulthood. Although this era is characterized by a freedom that allows for infinite possibilities, it also generates frustration and anxiety when recognizing that it is impossible to experience and choose every available option.
This concern has a profound impact on the mentality of adults, leading them to seek a psychological escape from their own reality by taking refuge in the world of young people, where opportunities seem to be more abundant. Youth is perceived as the most effective model for coping in this changing society.
The perception that opportunities are limitless, coupled with the pressure to choose the “best” option, can lead to feelings of anxiety and fear of commitment. Faced with this uncertainty, many adults choose to reject maturity and its associated responsibilities, seeking comfort in the feeling that they still have time to explore various options.
This escape into the youthful world is not only influenced by the abundance of opportunities, but also by the idealization of youth in the media and popular culture. The image of youth as a time of unlimited possibilities and inexhaustible energy has become an aspirational benchmark for many adults who long to escape the routine and pressures of adulthood.
Contrast with pre-industrial times: Evolution of social structure
In pre-industrial societies, the birth of an individual implied his or her entry into an organizational structure that was not considered a product of cultural evolution, but rather a constant and unchanging reflection of nature. This approach ensured the social affiliation of the individual upon reaching maturity.
Society provided a set path to follow, and each individual had a responsibility to prove to themselves that they could fulfill the roles and expectations set out. Creating a life plan and strengthening lasting bonds were imperative in this structure. Social interaction was more regulated and guided by established traditions and roles, providing a sense of belonging and direction.
With the advent of industrialization, this dynamic began to transform. Social stratification was no longer as entrenched as it once was. Instead, individuals began to realize unprecedented opportunities to shape their social identity in more personalized ways. A kind of freedom emerged to create a “social self” more in line with their individual desires and aspirations.
Initially, this new freedom was perceived as a fascinating environment full of possibilities. However, as time went by, this “exhausted freedom” became apparent. The pressure of making decisions in a world full of options and the constant search for authenticity began to weigh on people. The uncertainty of how to forge a path in a changing context proved to be challenging and, at times, overwhelming.
A generation of paradox: freedom and fear
This generation experiences a unique paradox: a feeling of seemingly limitless freedom, but accompanied by a deep sense of fear. In a world where possibilities seem endless, the shadow of risk also lurks. Every potential choice is hidden behind vagueness, the unknown, and insecurity.
This paradox is fueled by the way they have been raised. Parents who have paved the way for their children, providing them with predefined solutions, have produced adults who avoid fully immersing themselves in adulthood. The challenges presented seem too risky and demanding.
The chosen strategy is to avoid uncertainty at all costs, even if that means not risking making mistakes. The decisions made feel reversible and temporary in all aspects of life: work, training and relationships. The work context, sometimes unfavourable, adds an additional layer of difficulty.
As a result, young adults seek immediate gratification, discarding the notion of the future and choosing to live in a perpetual present, where everything is ambiguous and undefined. This approach seems more attractive and concrete given the circumstances.
From a Freudian perspective, the pleasure principle dominates over the reality principle. In this context, youth becomes the only truly palpable existential entity. Thus, youth, along with concepts such as beauty, success and wealth, acquires the status of an object that can be possessed. In other words, youth, initially a biological condition, has metamorphosed into a cultural definition. Being young is no longer based simply on age, but on the right to enjoy certain lifestyles and consumption that define this stage of life.
Presentism and the paradox of pseudo-adulthood
In the present scenario, presentism emerges as a choice imposed on those who seek to avoid facing uncertainty. In the era of a globalized society focused on the here and now, the highest values are centered on the immediate.
However, an excessive or unbalanced focus on presentism can result in the cancellation of future perspectives, ambitious projects, and long-term commitments. These elements used to serve as social indicators of maturity and adult responsibility. The result of this imbalance is a version of maturity that is actually a pseudo-adult, characterized by its instability and irresponsibility.
In this context, the contemporary adult faces a significant decision: to choose to hide behind a mask and live without a solid sense of time. He becomes an ever-evolving individual, in a perpetual state of transformation. Whether conscious or not, this person continues to hold a range of options, choices, and existential promises. This multiplicity of potential paths can arouse ambivalent emotions: fear, bewilderment, and fascination. After all, the expectation of a dream can often seem more captivating than its full realization.
The benefits and challenges of infantilization in society
The evolution of society involves the adoption of new freedoms, which usually require a process of adaptation and stability in groups. In this context, resuming activities that are normally considered to be typical of childhood, such as video games, is a valid practice in adult life, as long as it is not used as a way of evading personal responsibility.
The concept of childhood is not limited to the denial of self-sufficiency, but can also be a refuge from the threats of adult life. The constant bombardment of consumerist obligations, work and social pressure can come to an end when one immerses oneself in activities that recall simpler moments of childhood. The ability to properly manage this childhood refuge can become a solid support of tranquility for many people, ensuring a minimum of emotional stability.
