The hallowed halls of academia, once bastions of critical thinking and intellectual exploration, are increasingly resembling daycare centres. The trend of infantilizing university education is a worrying development, eroding the very foundations of higher learning.
Gone are the days of challenging texts and rigorous discussions. Safe spaces, trigger warnings, and grade inflation have replaced intellectual rigor with an emphasis on emotional comfort. Students, instead of being encouraged to grapple with complex ideas, are shielded from discomforting perspectives, leaving them ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of the real world.
The infantilization extends beyond the classroom. Universities are now catering to student demands for “comfort” and “convenience,” offering everything from emotional support animals to nap pods. While well-intentioned, these measures inadvertently create an environment where students are coddled and discouraged from taking responsibility for their own learning and wellbeing.
The consequences are profound. Graduates emerge with inflated expectations, unprepared for the realities of a demanding workforce. The lack of critical thinking and resilience hinders their ability to adapt to challenges and contribute meaningfully to society.
Reversing this trend requires a fundamental shift in the university paradigm. We need to re-emphasize intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and the importance of confronting difficult ideas. We need to foster independent thought and empower students to become self-reliant individuals, ready to navigate the complexities of the world, not just cushioned from them. The future of higher education, and indeed our society, depends on it.
