On February 24, Russia conducted a ‘special military operation’ in the east of Ukraine, which is nothing short of an invasion. As it has caused many deaths and violates human rights, the current invasion can be a difficult topic to discuss. However, this world is prepared to handle difficulties. The whole world has joined in solidarity of Ukraine’s struggle, sending donations, awareness campaigns and helpful resources their way. Many of these campaigns are being organized by today’s teenagers. While Gen Z is a very politically active and responsible generation, they have also displayed some inappropriate responses to the crisis.

Currently involvement of the U.S and other NATO countries is very ambiguous. What is crucial is the response of civilian forces. Information is being spread on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. It allows for a mass spread of fundraiser materials and background on the situation. Hundreds of teens have a link in their account biography to a Ukrainian support source.

While this has proved helpful, using social media for Ukraine information can also be damaging. With the positives, comes the spread of false information and undermining the severity of the conflict. Cruel and tone-deaf jokes about the crisis have risen in popularity. Putting difficult situations in light can be helpful to worried teenagers or those with mental health issues, but in this case it comes off as insensitive. The majority of American teenagers who make jokes relating to the Ukraine-Russia conflict are not directly or even indirectly connected to it by family or citizenship. A new internet phenomenon popular amongst them is referring to Putin as “Vladdy Daddy” and posting comments such as “No war pls”. This is insensitive as it reduces the threats of violence Putin has made. Many teenagers claim that humor is used to cope, but only insults the crisis which they are safe from.

False information on the involvement of the U.S. also thrives on the Internet. Some have also expressed concerns over being drafted and deployed into Ukraine for the U.S. Armed Forces, but this only shows their lack of knowledge on the topic. The U.S. Military has not used a draft since the Vietnam War, and even so they refuse to send in troops. As Ukraine is not a member of NATO, it prevents the U.S. from an obligation to fight. Russia has the upper hand in a decades-long rivalry with the U.S, but that does not mean there will be zero intervention. Many older Gen Z members who serve in the U.S Military still have casual, apathetic responses to an “impending World War Three”.

The situation has left many wondering, “What is the appropriate way to respond to an overseas conflict?”. Ideally, the best approach is to have empathy. There are credible sources online for information and donations that have Ukrainians’ best interests at heart. In times like these, proper education is crucial for understanding. Whether Russia and Ukraine expand into a years-long conflict or cease fighting in weeks, society and the youth of today play a huge role in its events.