Beyond Pages and Pixels

The Crisis of Emotional Intelligence in Modern Education

For decades, traditional education systems have relied heavily on rote memorisation, pushing students to absorb facts and figures without truly engaging with the material or developing a deeper understanding. This method has often neglected the emotional and intellectual growth of learners, focusing solely on academic performance. In contrast, the modern educational landscape is dominated by digital content that is easily accessible but lacks personalisation. While this shift offers convenience, it also creates a gap in the development of essential human qualities such as empathy and emotional resilience.

Emotional intelligence (EI), as defined by Daniel Goleman, refers to the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions effectively. It plays a crucial role in personal and social development. However, the current educational models often fail to incorporate EI into their frameworks, leading to a generation of individuals who may excel academically but struggle with emotional connections and ethical reasoning. This deficiency not only affects individual well-being but also has broader societal implications.

In the context of artificial intelligence and the digital revolution, the problem becomes even more pronounced. Students are often provided with pre-packaged solutions that encourage regurgitation rather than critical thinking. This approach fosters a mechanical learning environment where emotional engagement is minimal. As a result, individuals may become emotionally disengaged, capable of achieving high grades but lacking sensitivity and compassion.

The dismantling of the joint family system further exacerbates this issue. Historically, communal living allowed for the transmission of emotional understanding across generations. However, the rise of nuclear families and technology-mediated interactions has weakened these bonds, making it harder for individuals to connect with others on an emotional level. This isolation contributes to a growing sense of detachment and misunderstanding among people.

The absence of emotional intelligence has far-reaching consequences. At a collective level, it manifests in various forms of intolerance, hatred, and conflict. Sophisticated technologies, which could be used to address global issues like poverty and displacement, are often misused to exert power and control. This misuse leads to devastating outcomes, including the loss of innocent lives. The same technology, if guided by emotionally intelligent minds, could help alleviate suffering and promote peace.

Children are particularly vulnerable in this emotionally barren environment. Growing up without the tools to process complex emotions, they are more susceptible to manipulation, aggression, and instability. This lack of emotional support can lead to long-term psychological effects, impacting their ability to form healthy relationships and navigate social challenges.

The vision of a world built on empathy, moderation, and tolerance was once a guiding principle in education. However, modern education has shifted its focus towards achieving high grades and securing competitive seats, often at the expense of nurturing compassionate and emotionally balanced individuals. This shift has led to an increase in selfishness, cruelty, and social fragmentation. Even minor provocations can spark domestic conflicts or street-level violence, disproportionately affecting women and children.

Power-hungry individuals and nations, driven by greed and a disregard for human dignity, have emerged as a result of this emotional void. These actors prioritize dominance over natural resources, often causing human suffering and breaking peace treaties without remorse. The consequences of this mindset are evident in the increasing levels of violence and injustice around the globe.

To address this crisis, integrating emotional intelligence into educational and social pedagogies is essential. From early childhood, education should focus on nurturing compassion, kindness, and emotional resilience. Literature, in particular, can play a transformative role in this process. Through stories, novels, and poetry, learners can gain insight into the emotional experiences of others, fostering empathy and understanding.

Emotionally intelligent individuals are better equipped to handle crises, resolve internal conflicts, and de-escalate external tensions. This self-regulation can lead to greater social cohesion, reduced violence, and a more peaceful community. An educational system that prioritises emotional intelligence can transform society, promoting wisdom over weaponry and fostering a truly civilised, cultured, and empathetic global community.