TULUNGAGUNG – Young people in Tulungagung are facing increasing uncertainty about their future as rapid technological change, expanding career options, and social media pressures make it harder for them to identify their strengths and interests.
The issue has become a concern for the Tulungagung Youth and Sports Agency (Dispora). Officials warn that confusion among young people could affect future youth development and human resource quality in the region.
Achmad Mugiyono, head of Dispora Tulungagung, said many young people still lack a clear understanding of the paths they want to pursue. He noted that the challenge affects both academic and non-academic fields, limiting opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
“Many young people today still struggle to determine the direction of their talents and interests, whether in academic or non-academic areas,” Mugiyono said.
According to him, several factors contribute to the problem. Limited opportunities for self-expression and a lack of guidance remain major concerns. At the same time, social media has created new pressures that many young people find difficult to manage.
He explained that many youths fall into a cycle of constant comparison. They often measure their achievements against the success stories they see online. As a result, some lose confidence and overlook their own abilities.
“The causes vary, ranging from limited space for self-expression and insufficient mentoring to the influence of social media, which often encourages young people to compare themselves with others,” he said.
Mugiyono believes local authorities must create more positive environments where young people can explore different interests and discover their potential. He stressed that formal education alone cannot always help individuals identify their strengths.
To address the issue, Dispora has expanded several youth-focused programs. These initiatives include sports activities, youth organizations, entrepreneurship training, and creative development programs. The agency hopes these platforms will encourage young people to gain experience and build confidence.
“We see a strong need for positive spaces where young people can try new things, develop their skills, and discover their potential,” Mugiyono said.
He also called for a broader understanding of success. For years, many communities have focused heavily on academic achievement. However, he argued that every young person possesses unique strengths that deserve equal recognition.
Many youths can thrive in sports, arts, leadership, community organizations, and the growing creative economy sector. Mugiyono said the government’s role is to provide opportunities and support systems that allow each individual to grow according to their talents.
“Not every child has to excel academically. Some have strengths in sports, arts, organizations, or the creative economy. Our responsibility is to provide opportunities that help them develop those abilities,” he said.
As Indonesia continues to invest in human capital development, local officials believe empowering young people to explore diverse career and personal growth pathways will play a key role in building a more resilient future generation.