Review of Growing Up Digital: The Rise of the Net Generation (Paperback)

In this book, Don Tapscott discusses the differences between the baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) and the "Net Generation" (those born between 1977 and 1997).In Growing up Digital, Tapscott reminds us that boomers consists of 85 million people in the United States and Canada and then informs us that the Net Generation now encompasses 88 million people.So not only are these kids more technologically savvy than the rest of us, they outnumber us also.Tapscott states, "To them the digital technology is no more intimidating than a VCR or toaster.For the first time in history, children are more comfortable, knowledgeable and literate than their parents about an innovation central to society."With this in mind, it is probably a good thing I read this book.

Interestingly, I have two teenage children who fit into the category of Net Generation kids, but who do not have as much in common with the kids described in the book as Tapscott would lead you to believe.The children I know in this age-group are computer literate, do have cyber-dates, are quite capable of multi-tasking, completing research via the net, and ordering products on-line.However, that is where the similarity ends.

Tapscott describes a world where children work for pay creating web sites; expect to be included in the decision-making of major purchases with their parents, (because the children have been able to download the product research that their parents could not), and speak at conferences on the use of technology.I believe there are many instances in the book where Tapscott suggests a behavior that appears more precocious than intelligent.Even given this, the book is very interesting, but at times reads more like science fiction.This is especially true when Tapscott talks about a "cyber Niki" running around the web searching for the best buys or when he gives an example of being able to order his bread from the Stone Mill bakery with just the ingredients he wants.At times, it is hard to tell whether this is currently available via the web or, if it is all part of a future vision.

Because much of the information for this book came from a chat room for teens and pre-teens called "FreeZone" it tends to preclude those children of the same age who are not growing up digital or, who have limited access to this medium.Moreover, if this is so, are we any wiser to the behaviors and thought processes of the majority of American children?I am not so sure.According to Mr. Tapscott we are.He states that, "This book is based on the belief that we can learn much about a whole generation which is in the process of embracing the new media from the children who are most advanced in their adoption of this technology."Maybe he is right, because the information gleaned from this particular group of kids is rather enlightening.

In the book, Tapscott discusses the different ways N-Gens learn, play and work.Supposedly, this group prefers interactive entertainment (video games and web surfing) to passive entertainment (television).In fact, Tapscott estimates that by the year 2000 children will be watching 100 hours less television per year than they were in 1997.Based on discussions with the kids in FreeZone, it appears that N-Gen children prefer to play video games, and spend time on the web because they can control what they see rather than having content pushed at them.Tapscott believes that this is actually good, not bad, as many would have us believe.This is probably true, because in order to navigate the web, you must be able to read and write.In the chapter on N-Gen learning, Tapscott discusses that these children will want to learn in an interactive mode rather than a broadcast mode.One- way to do this would be for these children to discover information on their own via the web instead of listening to lectures.And, when it comes to the work environment, watch out, "Just like the boomers in Michael Dell's company who are perceived as losers if they aren't media-savvy and new-enterprise-comfortable, boomers in the new economy will be left behind as the N-Gen tsunami rolls into the workforce.The message:boomers, get going and learn from the children."According to this, the workplace of the future will be highly technical and if we are not prepared, the N-Gens will leave us behind.

With so many kids already working in technology fields, how should colleges and universities prepare?Well one thing is certain, as long as kids feel the need to go to college to advance within an organization we are okay.The following quote from an 18 year old makes this perfectly clear.He states:"Right now the Internet department is doing some shuffling and I could easily become a full-time employee.My boss loves me and she knows I am more than capable for the help line, but without some kind of college degree I would not go far in the organization.I hope to return in four years."Let us all keep them thinking this way and maybe we can keep our jobs.

Overall, I found this to be an excellent book and feel it may be helpful for many who are dealing with or may soon be dealing with these kids, especially the techno-savvy ones.



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