I have always used the internet as a great resource to get information and also spread my own information around cyberspace. Therefore, I was not surprised to read that (according to the Pew study) most Americans attribute the internet with improved communication abilities. People agree that it is now much easier to spread the word about causes, connect with groups, and organize activities, among other things.
Unfortunately, it was sad to see that young adults are most active in gaming communities, fan groups for shows/celebrities, and fan groups for products/brands. They were least active in community groups, support groups for people who are struggling, and political party organizations. They were also the least active in religious groups (even though the other article talked quite a bit about how being involved with a religion causes you to have more trust and faith in society). All together, I am saddened for our generation. There seems to be a lack of personal responsibility, and many people my age don’t care to “make something of themselves.” I can name so many people who graduated from college and are still living with their parents, not working or investing in anything other than Halo Reach. It’s interesting how technology seems to improve older people’s lives (because they are simply adding it into their day-to-day activities), and honestly seems to negatively impact younger people’s lives. Perhaps it is because younger people have always had technology, and their lives can revolve around it.
Civil engagement and social capitol are related because the more involved you are in your community, the more bridging capitol and bonding capitol you will build. The more people you know, the easier it is to find a job, spread the word about a good cause, or just get information. They go hand-in-hand, and I think it is very important to invest in our community and meet new people.
I agree that is was disappointing to see that young adults are more involved in consumerism than civic duty, but I wasn’t shocked by it. As I get older and approach 30 with a daughter on the way, I find myself giving lectures like my dad used to do e.g. “Those damn kids have no idea what they’re doing or what’s good for them.”. Truth be told, this goes back to the myth of technological determinism. Kids have always been ego-centric and self-consumed. That’s indicative of humanity as opposed to a byproduct of CMC.
Groups are better in communicating and spreading the word. I can recall various times where I have made groups to notify all my family and friends about an event. This is easy because I could reach and send out the message to everyone all at once. Also, I could get a fast response and I could know who would be attending. This was way easier than calling everyone or mailing everyone an invitation, plus it was economic on my pocket.
I don’t know that we can blame technology for the shortfalls of a generation. This was talked about also in the Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald when he talked about the great “lost generation”. Its worth some review if you aren’t familiar. There are a lot of parallels between that generation and current millenials. What I do agree with is that many young people aren’t using technology to better their situation. Many don’t take advantage of the networking that can be done online which might translate to better career opportunities. They seems to be more interest in general in people.com than there is in linkedin.com, but some are using the technology in constructive ways which I believe was the message of the readings this week.
I don’t think technology is the blame. When we are young we all have to go through thinks to learn them for ourselves. No matter how many times people tells us something we still did it and that is how this generation is. Technology is just making the things that we were in the dark about more easily available for them. However, it’s all about a choice we have a choice then and have one now just like young people do. SNSs and group you provide more choices.
I do think that the generation influence is due to the exposure to technology from birth. My niece back in WA just turned 3 and she can pick up her mom’s smart phone, find her game apps, and play games! I was shocked when we went home to visit last summer. My kids played with leapfrog leapsters and e-tech toys (late 90’s early 20th century) , I played with speak and spell (for my fellow 80’s babies), and new generations are playing with Ipods and Smart phones!
Oh, I totally identify with that sentiment. It amazes me when I see a baby whining for an I phone, whimpering at its loss. I am amazed by how intuitively they adopt these technologies, but am also fearful of their future dependence on them. I know they can separate themselves from the devices, but I think the dependence carries over in their ways of action. This could come to a point where they might not understand alternative ways of life without the technology; they have different methods of socializing, acquiring resources, gaining assistance, and interacting with the world. They can utilize their resources, and almost naturally develop applications and websites that can further a cause or purpose better than any ‘normal’ methods. (ex: crowd sourcing vs winning over individual investors). But if their actions are always ingrained with the technology, are they losing alternative skills?
At what point might we lose perspective on alternative methods of development and survival. I think the internet is a wonderful crutch, but we also shouldn’t put all of our eggs into one basket.
In agreement with what you stated, I have also noticed the low moral values set by today’s generation. Their blatent lack of consideration for other members’ interactions toward what they post in blogs can be sickening. Their exposure to technology, like you posted, could have made them as insensitive as they are today. Some spend more time on these sites than with their own families. This will undoubtedly have negative effects on future generations and relationships. If left unchanged, then our future society could likely consist mainly of social recluses.