Today, the average teenager spends more than 72 hours a week using electronic media — cell phones, Internet, television, music and video games — according to a 2006 study.
They related to technology in a different way than we boomers did. "To them the digital technology is no more intimidating than a VCR or toaster," I said. "For the first time in history, children are more comfortable, knowledgeable, and literate than their parents with an innovation central to society. And it is through the use of the digital media that the Net Generation will develop and superimpose its culture on the rest of society. Boomers, stand back. Already these kids are learning, playing, communicating, working, and creating communities very differently than their parents. They are a force for social transformation." Excerpt: 'Grown Up Digital' Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation is Changing Your WorldBy Don Tapscott
Generation Now
Young, wired and living life on the digital edge — meet the Millennials
I don't believe we can reach the now generation with the methods that we used when we were younger. Have you seen what our children (3-7) are doing these days? Our teens today are way more advanced than we were. The NET Generation 15 to 25 age group.
If we are going to reach those that are younger than we are, we must learn how to reach them.
Then the 26 to 34 group.
Generation Now Net
You know you’re a millennial if... (so they say)
• Parented by boomers, you’ve been lavished attention, high expectations, and a “nothing is too good for my baby” budget of learning toys, after school activities and one-on-one face time.
• You’re a high-achiever. Tested to death, the quality of your education has consumed society — from the State House to the White House. But you’re confident you can live up to all those high expectations.
• You’ve got it together. Unhealthy behavior and trauma — including suicide, serious violent crime and pregnancy rates — are declining in your age group.
• You love to collaborate and thrive on regular feedback. You value honesty and hard work — and you seek out the same in creative partners.
• You’re praise-driven. You’re never more satisfied than when you’ve been commended for a job well done.
• You’re totally at ease in a multi-cultural world. For the first time in history, popular culture and advertising are full of people from different backgrounds, and the civic landscape of business and politics is much more diverse than when your folks came along. Over 40 percent of you are non-white.
• You live to make and manipulate culture, creating and sharing content online on a daily basis.
SO THE CHURCH IS GOING TO REACH THESE TEENS AND YOUNGER ADULTS?
- I work a few hours at Mex Itali during the lunch hour. I see the parents and their kids. What the kids are playing with, is not "jack" or play toys, they are the real cell phones, and computer generated laptops. They are on the Net at age three to five.
