According to Dictionary.com, a vice is defined as an immoral or evil practice. On a lesser level, a bad habit. Despite the melodramatic sound of the word “vice,” it seems to be a universal problem.
In a student survey, respondents leaned toward music, food consumption and a lack of self-discipline — for example, bad language — as their major vices.
For Daniel Andrew, ’12, the results of the survey were understandable, but seemed to lack two bad habits he has noticed on campus.
“This list is surprising, but it’s true. I think that lots of people work on self-discipline, everyone listens to music and food is what growing teenagers intake,” Andrew said. “But I thought that video games or gossip would have been up there, because you hear about gossip and video games everywhere on campus.”
Although these bad habits may seem detrimental only to those struggling with them, they can also affect relationships. Andrew’s vice falls into the category of ‘other,’ which covers academics, electronics, respect and sports. Andrew says his daydreaming problem is not only a vice, but a disrespectful habit.
“I daydream daily, but it’s because we all have things that we don’t enjoy doing,” Andrew said. “I usually look out the window and imagine myself someplace else than where I am. It’s practically a problem of respecting the teacher.”
Freshman Maddie Yee claims that her experience with gossip shows how it can alter the opinion of others, despite “rumor” status.
“It’s hard for me because when some people gossip I believe what they say, but instead of confirming it, I try to walk away,” Yee said. “I think that because of peoples’ insecurities, they have to put others down. Both boys and girls gossip, even though it would seem like boys wouldn’t.”
Christian teens sometimes have shared problems and vices that can hinder their relationship with God, as well as simpler problems. For Tyler Combs, ’10, the most noticeable vice in both teens and adults is an obsession with worldly objects.
“We let the worldly activities preoccupy us, but these things are really superfluous,” Combs said. “Even though something can still affect you well, like money, it can only affect you in a worldly aspect.”
Conner Gibes, ’11, says an occasional vice is the not the huge problem others might claim.
“[Because] I get bored of things, I don’t have any interests that I want to mention. But when I do have an interest in something, I usually dwell and analyze it, often obsessing over it,” Gibes said. “[But] if my vices don’t affect others and theirs doesn’t affect mine; then there is no reason to talk about them.”
Though vices may seem like a natural struggle for humans, Yee claims they are a result of the original sin.
“Adam and Eve brought sin into the world, and since we’re not perfect, [vices are] like our human condition,” Yee said. “We have the choice to partake in the sin.”
Furthermore, Yee says it is possible to overcome them successfully.
“It’s a personal choice to stop by either walking away, or not getting into the situation,” Yee said. “A lot of gossip is peer pressure, and letting people know you don’t want to do it is a big stand. Standing up can impact another [as well].”
For more stories about teen issues, read the Jan. 15, 2008 article, Seven Deadly Sins expose shortcomings, the October 7 article, Sexual content pervades television or the March 16, 2009 article, Smoking temptation endangers teens.
