Do the advantages of gap years outweigh the disadvantages?

It is preferred that students should take a gap year after graduating school, prior to joining university; in this year, they embark on a journey to find their lifelong field of work. Although it might have some demerits, I strongly postulate that its merits outweigh them. Initially, scholars are of the opinion that such breaks from studies during the learning phase of life affect further education. According to them, such activities should not be encouraged as there are higher chances that the young minds might lose interest in learning or may get demotivated due to various reasons and ultimately refrain from pursuing university education. Secondly, the employed youth, due to a sudden increase in their purchasing power, might also get attracted to various social evils like drugs, gambling and alcoholism. On the other hand, a year off after being done with school education is a welcome break for students and is well-deserved. This period also serves as a well-earned family time for those students who have grown up within the closed boundaries of boarding schools. Secondly, this period provides ample opportunities for young people to experience the reality of the modern world. Those students who prefer a break can experiment with various forms of employment, and thereby decide on their career plans and goals depending on their experiences. The holidaymakers, on the other hand, can familiarize themselves with the customs, and traditions of different countries, which in turn will widen their outlook and grant them cultural tolerance. Thus, in a wider perspective, such breaks help the young minds in preparing for the much demanding university life. To conclude, although such activities seem to have a plethora of pros and cons, it is unquestionably obvious that the positive impacts of gap years far outweigh their drawbacks.