Digital Youth Response

I find the designations for these forms of new media interactions interesting. Hanging out, messing around and geeking out all have very casual implications and connote an overall feel of apathy among the youth, which is not a new thing - "kids these days" . . . The adult culture never ceases to believe that the youth of our times are doomed; primarily, I think, because they do not entirely understand these new methods of communication. But I think it's a legitimate concern in present times. Youth are spending so much time immersed in these digital technologies - the concept of "always on" presents an entirely new realm for social interactions. Kids and teens are constantly afloat in a social stream; twitter, facebook, online games, texting, surfing, blogging. In their complete immersion, are they losing out on other experiences? Are they becoming blind to the real concerns of our times (whatever they are) and will they be better or ill prepared for life and careers as adults?

Grown-Up Digital: youth culture on the internet

The question I struggle with is whether or not this apathy in our youth culture is legitimate; they seem uninterested in more traditional modes of communication and learning (after school activities, sports, school, etc.) and you can't help but wonder if this constant connection to technology has a negative effect. Are they becoming more detached from the "real world" or are these alternative forms providing the same interactions and learning experiences? I like to be optimistic and lean towards the latter. I see the same trends of a search for self through these modes of "hanging out" "messing around" and "geeking out". Youth culture are using online surfing, remixing, downloading music and playing games to dabble in a variety of different hobbies or interests. Adolescence and young-adulthood are primarily times to seek out one's own unique identity. By engaging in these new media forms, I believe the same result is achieved; they are able to find their own individuality and voice by messing around and trying a bit of this and a bit of that. You could even argue that they are able to participate in deeper niche cultures because they are able to connect to so many, and they are not limited by their proximity to one another. Individuals are able to reach out to communities and other individuals that share their own interests and thus create meaningful relationships and social learning experiences. Able to participate in "peer-based reciprocity" within these cultures, our youth are learning more from peers than adults, which is causing concern. But if teens/kids find more validation and validity in learning from their peers, is there really a need for concern?