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Youthful Outlook

March 29, 2006

Is there such a thing as too wired?–Part II

As I mentioned in Part I, I attended a great session at PLA entitled, How People Use the Internet: Results from the Pew Project. Lee Raimie, Project Director for Pew Internet & American Life Project, was the speaker. He was great.

Having just read the Time Magazine article I referred to earlier, he addressed the new realities for GenMs created by currrent technology.

The GenMs, defined as those individuals born between 1982-2000, are tech-embracing, confident, team-oriented and high achieving. They have been emersed in a world of gadgets. Since technology is becoming more and more mobile, GenMs can stay constantly in touch with each other and the Internet.

Many GenMs are creating digital footprints on the Internet, posting infomation about themselves on sites such as the popular MySpace without considering the consequences these actions can have. With a rise in “soft surveillance” by agencies seeking information on possible job or student candidates, privacy becomes a major concern.

Librarians definitely have a role in the lives of GenMs. We can be aware of the technology and assist patrons in creating a balance between online and off.

posted by Sharon at 2:30 pm |

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