[TLDR: Being open-minded shows curiosity and acceptance. But wanting to fit in can blur boundaries and make us say yes to things we normally wouldn’t even entertain the thought of including harmful choices like drug abuse. Saying no to friends is tough, but true open-mindedness is about listening and reflecting, not about blindly following.]
Open-mindedness: Gen Z’s Unexamined Virtue
For many Gen Zs, being open-minded isn’t just a good trait — it’s almost a badge of honour. It signals curiosity, acceptance, and a willingness to explore new ideas. Saying “I’m open-minded” often earns approving nods because it shows that we’re progressive, accepting, and not quick to judge.
It’s easy to see why. In WeKayPoh’s conversations with youths, they were quick to admit that they were open-minded. From trying new foods to spontaneous adventures like bungee jumping, it’s seen as a gateway to growth, discovery, and connection. 1 In a generation that values diversity and individuality, open-mindedness feels like the key to understanding others and the world around us.
The Social Pull of being Open-minded
For many youths, being open-minded can also feel like a shortcut to belonging. It helps us blend in, prove we’re not uptight, and find common ground with others – especially for youths figuring out their identity, it can be tempting to prove we’re not the odd one out in a group.
It doesn’t help that our digital culture reinforces this. We’re often surrounded by memes, soundbites, and influencers championing “good vibes only” and “don’t knock it ‘til you try it.” Offline, friends joke about “never say never,” and saying no can make us seem boring or closed off. Over time, the pressure to appear easy going and accepting can blur the line between genuine curiosity and just saying yes to fit in.
When Curiosity Turns Risky
That’s when not having the right understanding of what is true open-mindedness slips into risky territory — especially around issues like drug abuse. What starts as curiosity or wanting to keep up with friends can quickly turn into ignoring red flags. The intention might be to stay open to new experiences, but without discernment, we risk letting peer pressure override our instincts.
Just like the youths in WeKayPoh’s video shared, the pros of “open-mindedness” don’t quite apply when it comes to drugs, and it is important for us to stand our ground against drug abuse. 1
Blind Spots in the Narrative
Here’s what often gets missed: the very idea of being “open-minded” can sometimes close our minds in subtle ways. When applied to drug abuse, this can manifest as a reluctance to question peer narratives, an eagerness to dismiss risks, or a feeling of obligation to try anything once.
- “Just once won’t hurt” can make us doubt what we already know
- “It’s just for fun” minimises risks and makes harmful choices seem trivial
- “Don’t be the odd one out” banks on our fear of exclusion to undermine our instincts
In another article, we highlight three common lies people tell themselves about drugs – that drug abuse is acceptable in moderation, that it is a personal choice and that it is not harmful because it is legalised overseas. All three lies lean on the twisted idea of open-mindedness by downplaying the dangers of drug abuse.2
Redefining Openness: Empathy with Boundaries
Let’s be real, most of us already know the costs of drug abuse – the legal trouble, health risks, broken trust, the struggle with withdrawal symptoms. Many youths in Singapore are aware, just as we see in WeKayPoh’s street interview.1
The true challenge here is to recognise that openness isn’t about giving every idea a free pass, it’s about considering all realities critically and applying discernment.3 We can listen, empathise and understand why some are more vulnerable to drug abuse, while staying rooted in your personal values that protect ourselves and our loved ones. The next time you feel nudged to be “open-minded,” ask yourself: am I being curious, or am I ignoring my instincts just to blend in?