Generational Divide

Without question there is definitely a generational divide between youth culture and older generations when it comes to technology usage. Numerous communication studies I’ve read have pinpointed the idea that youth grew up with this type of communication, so they see it as an everyday necessity. In the words of a sixteen-year-old media user, “Parents usually don’t know how important a tool the mobile has become in young people’s lives. They only think about the communicative function, not the social meaning” (Buckingham 1). Older generations have learned to exist as social beings without the crutch of technology, which naturally leads to a different perspective, and perhaps, also of media proliferation.

Younger generations, on the other hand, have grown up with digital media, and view it as an integral and even necessary part of social life. “Because of the always there, always on status of the mobile and the pace of exchange of information, and because the mobile is the key personal communication device for so many young people, it becomes important in establishing social norms and rules, and in testing one’s own position in relation to the peer group” (Buckingham 1).

While one can certainly use new technology to promote social relations, when used in excess, the same tool used to connect with others can be used to disconnect from others.  For example, there are countless times I see teenagers with their phone on the table at a restaurant, as parents see no need to partake in such an activity.

I think the generational divide may be one of the reasons parents are so apprehensive about their children having Facebook accounts. It is the fear of the unknown that has parents concerned. I definitely agree that there should be stronger privacy settings on social media sites and that children should not be allowed to get mobile phones at a such a young age!