Grown+Up+Digital+Chap.+10&11

Chapter 10 Making the World A Better Place-At Ground Level This chapter discussed how the Net Geners are changing the world using the tool they are most comfortable with, the Internet. They are utilizing this amazing collaboration tool to organize reforms. They are addressing serious issues such as global warming and showing that they truly care for their fellow citizens.

In my social studies curriculum we are studying the Baby Boom generation and the cultural change they brought to the United States. They changed the culture with rock-n-roll music and popular art. They joined the Peace Corps and helped the needy all around the world. They lifted their noses at the opposition the “older” generation gave them. This is very similar to the Net Geners. They are becoming global citizens by using the Internet to connect and social networking sites to become activists. The older generation is turning up their noses and calling them lazy and dumb. I imagine these were some of the same words used to describe the Baby Boomers. Baby Boomers changed the world and so will the Net Geners!

The Net Geners have access to millions of people via the Internet and will be able to make greater changes more quickly than any other generation. One example is when one college student had an idea to give up and to have others give up one cup of coffee or video a day and donate that money to people in Darfur. Using Facebook he was able to reach a vast audience quickly, and the idea became a reality.

The Net Geners are volunteering more than any other generation, doing fewer drugs, and less interested in the propaganda of the media. They are creating companies, not to make millions, but to make a positive change in the world. They create widgets that promote “green” attitudes and actions and to gain access to social networking sites to access kids.

Net Geners have only been accessing social networking sites for a very short time; we only imagine what changes this will bring to our world. How will they handle complex issues that will arise? Will they promote positive change using the Internet, or will they crumble? I believe they will impress us all with their changes!

Chapter 11 In Defense of the Future This generation that has been discussed throughout the book, according to the author, is going to change the world. This has been the theme integrated into every chapter. In this final chapter of the book, Tapscott addresses “Ten Dark Side Issues”.

1. The dumbest generation-test scores show the opposite 2. Screen addicted-losing social skills-Net Geners have created a balance and are so socially connected that they make sure that they are posting their minute-by-minute activities on Facebook. 3. Are they giving up their privacy-Yes. I agree with Tapscott that they are giving away private information without thinking about the consequences. 4. Are they coddled? Do they lack independence? They have been the most scheduled generation in history due to their parents who want them to become involved in everything. So if we need to place blame on this issue, we need to blame the parents. 5. Does the Internet encourage youth to steal? Are they cheaters? They can justify their music “borrowing”. Net Geners don’t view it as stealing and don’t think it’s the performers’ music to own. They utilize the Internet to cite their research, but don’t plagiarize. 6. Does it encourage bullying? Bullying has always existed even during the Baby Boomer days. What the Internet provides is the audience of millions that bullies want. A cyber bully will be easy to track. 7. Does it incite youth violence? Violence among youth is declining and has been since 1994. 8. Does the Net Gen have a misguided sense of entitlement and a bad work ethic? They want to have a work environment that meets the norms of their generation. Making millions is not necessarily their top priority; it is to enjoy their job and to make a positive difference. 9. Are they narcissistic? Net Geners simply do what they want to do and the evidence provided by this book does not support the statements that they are narcissistic. 10. What about their values? Do they just want to be rich and famous? What high school or college kid doesn’t want to make a lot of money? However, volunteering is at an all time high and they are activists tackling some serious world problems. They do spend money, but research the products they buy and companies they patronize. They expect to be paid based on their contributions to the company.

Here is the conclusion that I have drawn about the Net Geners. They expect the world to change for them. Is that selfish? It seems very similar to the view of the Baby Boom generation when they were teenagers. I hope the Net Geners do change the world. They have great and positive views about national and world issues. But the difference between the Net Geners and my generation is that we didn’t DO anything about our views and therefore nothing has changed. I can’t wait to watch the changes that the Net Geners bring about, and I applaud them for taking the initiative to make these changes!