Taspcott Pts 1 & 2

(Forgive the lateness of Tapscott Part 1.)
Part I: It's always interesting to compare Baby Boomers, Gen Xers/Y's, and today's Net Geners. I myself fall under the Generation X category but know that from a technological and digital level, I'm on the tail end of immersion. However, when I read about Net Geners and all they information and media they consume, it's truly amazing. "It's not surprising that Net Geners display such tolerance and even wisdom, compared to previous generations. They have been exposed to a ton of scientific, medical, and other pertinent information that wasn't available to their parents."(pg 84) Tapscott further points out that because Net Geners have access to this unlimited information they have made them advocates of freedom, customization, scutiny, honesty, integrity, collaboration, innovation...well, you get the idea. They're actively changing our world. I often wonder what life will be like 10 years from now. I'm a full time student studying digital technology and culture; I am astounded by the information out there and how our digitally diverse world continues to evolve. It makes me wonder what life will be like when my 3 year old is a full blown active member of the digital world. What will the technology be like for him? What will he be able to teach me one day? What and how will his generation change the world? I've been asking myself these and similar questions a lot lately. I'm curious what the answers will be.

Part II: Net Generation Norms and the transformation of work
I really enjoyed reading this section of our reading. Tapscott almost made work sound fantastical and utopian, but sweet, sweet, sweet! Several years ago, I worked for Apple Computer. It was a call center in Austin and I basically did data entry for K-12 schools - sales support. It wasn't a glamorous job, but it was one of the most relaxed working environments I'd ever been in. (Just look at Steve Jobs, Mr. Blue Jeans and T-shirt) But the idea that work environments are moving away from the fluorescent lit cubicles in big buildings; uptight and authority driven. The idea that those conditions could change: the freedom to work when and where we want, to collaborate and find new innovative ways to customize our work and business processes, to try new things/jobs, and that we can scrutinize what companies to work for. Net Geners want all these things and more, with the icing being that they (we) can have fun and be creative in our work. I think one of the most difficult things in life is finding something you love to do - specifically to make a living. I had my first job at 15 working at a christian bookstore. Since then I've tried a lot of diverse jobs but haven't found something that I'm truly passionate about. But when I think of what a job and life could be with the freedom to work under relaxed, fun and creative conditions and schedule hours that allow me to make time for my family...well, the idea is shear nirvana.