The Impact of Triviality on Students: A Study Published in Al-Farahidi Journal
Assistant Professor Dr. Ali Mouloud Fadel, Head of the Media Department at the College of Arts, University of Samarra, has published an article titled “Students and the System of Triviality” in the fourth issue of the editorial section of Al-Farahidi Journal, released in December 2025.
The article explores the various types and manifestations of triviality and its widespread presence across different fields. It begins with a reference to Canadian philosopher Alain Deneault’s book “Mediocracy: The Politics of the Extremely Average”, which portrays a grim reality in which triviality dominates all aspects of life, creating serious and far-reaching consequences. The article argues that triviality has infiltrated critical sectors, including academia, politics, economics, business, finance, media, and the arts. However, the most concerning impact, according to Dr. Fadel, is on the social sphere—where new generations are shaped. He warns that this environment has become a breeding ground for superficiality, procrastination, and wasted time, affecting both the current generation and even some individuals from the previous ones, who may fall into this trap either unknowingly or deliberately, in an attempt to keep up with those who control today’s distorted societal systems.
In this context, Dr. Fadel emphasizes that the issue extends beyond general society and has now deeply affected students across all academic levels. These students, who are expected to be the foundation of future development and progress, are instead falling victim to the illusion of triviality. They are being drawn into a cycle of intellectual stagnation, superficiality, and wasted educational opportunities. The article highlights that many students are consuming low-quality content, squandering their time on meaningless activities, and experiencing a depletion of critical thinking and intellectual development at a crucial stage in their education.
In conclusion, Dr. Fadel asserts that triviality has taken hold of the minds of the younger generation, stripping away scientific, moral, and cultural values and replacing them with shallow distractions. He warns that this phenomenon is leading the majority of students toward a state of intellectual and personal decline. He calls upon parents, educators, and students themselves to recognize this crisis and take action. He stresses that education is a rare opportunity—one that, once lost, cannot be regained. Therefore, he urges students to wake up to the reality of their situation, value their time, and actively resist the pull of triviality to make the most of their academic years.
