“If you Were the Devil…” — Now Let’s Talk About the Counterattack

How to respond to modern cultural and technological threats with new principles and digital solutions

Inspired by Ljubisav Matejevic’s powerful post:

“If you were the devil, how would you destroy the minds of the next generation?”

The Threat Is Real

Let’s not pretend otherwise—many of the ideas described in the original post are already actively shaping the worldviews of younger generations. But it’s not happening through brute force or ideology alone. It’s through platforms we scroll daily, shows we binge, and language we absorb. Slowly. Invisibly.

But if there is a strategy of destruction, there can also be a strategy of renewal.

So here’s my response.

The 10 New Commandments for a Digital Generation

These are not about dogma, but about principles—to guide young people (and all of us) who are constantly exposed to a culture of noise, distortion, and disconnection.

1. Honor Truth Above Comfort

Even if it challenges your feelings.

Threat Addressed: Truth Relativism

Tech Solution: AI-assisted fact-checking tools, logic-focused educational games, decentralized knowledge platforms.

2. Embrace Identity Rooted in Reality and Responsibility

You are not your impulse; you are your integrity.

Threat Addressed: Identity Confusion

Tech Solution: Digital spaces that support healthy identity exploration guided by mentors, not algorithms.

3. Respect the Family as the First School of the Soul

Family is not outdated. It’s foundational.

Threat Addressed: Undermining Family

Tech Solution: Platforms designed to support intergenerational dialogue, shared digital rituals, and family bonding.

4. Choose Agency Over Victimhood

You are not powerless. You are responsible.

Threat Addressed: Victim Culture

Tech Solution: Journaling and productivity apps that highlight progress, micro-volunteering platforms with impact tracking.

5. Guard Your Attention Like Treasure

Silence is not emptiness—it’s space for wisdom.

Threat Addressed: Constant Distraction

Tech Solution: Digital sabbath tools, deep focus AI companions, IoT that prompts reflection.

6. Learn History to Understand, Not to Erase

Our roots are not perfect, but they are ours.

Threat Addressed: Historical Erasure

Tech Solution: Immersive, multi-perspective decentralized digital history archives and educational AR/VR experiences.

7. Cultivate Spiritual Intelligence

Even if you don’t believe in God—believe in meaning.

Threat Addressed: Mocking Spirituality

Tech Solution: Mindfulness and meditation platforms tied to traditions, spiritual chatbot mentors, immersive sacred experiences in VR.

8. Celebrate Virtue as the New Rebellion

Discipline is not oppression—it’s strength.

Threat Addressed: Glorification of Vice

Tech Solution: Gamified character development platforms, AI mentors that reward humility, courage, and generosity.

9. Defend Language from Manipulation

Words shape minds—guard them.

Threat Addressed: Language Emptiness

Tech Solution: Semantic integrity tools that trace and compare word use across time and culture. Community-based annotation of public speech.

10. Build Deep, Real Connection

Followers don’t replace friends.

Threat Addressed: Loneliness in Hyperconnectivity

Tech Solution: Local-first social networks, AI matchmakers for in-person mentorship, safe online-to-offline community bridges.

The Role of Technology: Curse or Cure?

Technology is not neutral. It reflects the intentions of its makers and the behavior of its users. But if we can design it with human dignity, wisdom, and virtue in mind, then it becomes not a tool of destruction—but of healing.

The world doesn’t need more screens. It needs better uses of the screen.

If you’re a parent, developer, educator, or leader: you are part of this battle, whether you signed up for it or not.

Let’s not only critique the devil’s tactics. Let’s build the better alternative.