February 23, 2009
(Ventura, California) - Technology is fast becoming the latest driving force behind what is often called the "generation gap." While Americans of every age have become quite comfortable with and dependent on technology, a new study by The Barna Group explores how technology is shaping different experiences and expectations among generations.
Although all Americans - both young and old - benefit from technology, the generational divide brought on by digital tools is significant. The key findings of the research include the fact that each successive generation is adopting and using technology at a significantly greater pace than their predecessors. Yet, the study also shows the exponential reliance on digital tools among Americans under the age of 25.
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Deciphering the Results
The survey data points to a number of conclusions, according to David Kinnaman, president of The Barna Group:
- Even though young people are sometimes called the "Net Generation," every age segment is becoming dependent on the Internet. In fact, because Boomers and Busters represent about two-thirds of the adult population, they are far more numerous users of technology than are adults under the age of 25. For instance, the majority of online purchases are made by those between the age of 30 and 55. And many of the bloggers, music downloaders and users of social networking websites are from the Boomer and Buster cohorts.
- Still, despite the preponderance of middle-age technology users, the nation's youngest adults (Mosaics) are light-years ahead in their personal integration of these technologies, even blazing beyond the comfort of Busters. While Busters differ dramatically from their predecessors, Mosaics are even further down the path of integrating technologies into their lifestyles. On effect of this is that younger adults do not think of themselves as consumers of content; for better and for worse, they consider themselves to be content creators.
- All Americans are increasingly dependent on new digital technologies to acquire entertainment, products, content, information and stimulation. However, older adults tend to use technology for information and convenience. Younger adults rely on technology to facilitate their search for meaning and connection. These technologies have begun to rewire the ways in which people - especially the young - meet, express themselves, use content and stay connected.
- For church leaders, it is notable that a minority of churchgoing Mosaics and Busters are accessing their congregation’s podcasts and website. While technology keeps progressing and penetrating every aspect of life, churches have to work hard to keep pace with the way people access and use content, while also instructing churchgoers on the potency of electronic tools and techniques.
- Since technology is pervasive, many of the age-old questions about human development and human flourishing are taking on new dimension. How does technology help or hinder communication, or for that matter, relationships between the generations? Are social skills better or worse? Are reading and writing skills improving or not? And what does adequate preparation for tomorrow’s workforce look like? Educators, parents, youthworkers and other leaders must continually fine-tune their responses to these issues.
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(link found at EdStetzer.Com )
1 comment:
Following up to our discussion Wed nite, these are the questions (above) that concern me: "How does technology help or hinder communication, or for that matter, relationships between the generations? Are social skills better or worse? Are reading and writing skills improving or not?" While I am a solid Boomer, technologically I fall square with the Mosaics. But I have been fascinated by discussions with DM at our church about how much time we can practically squeeze out of a 24hr period, and what we must sacrifice to do it. I believe Jesus is all about relationships. Texting precludes "non-verbals" (body language, inflection, etc.) which are very important conveyors of meaning(content). Texting transmits raw data but inhibits meaningful conversation. My personal web page took too much time to maintain so I let it go. Instead of doing things like this, I prefer to spend free time sharing meals with people maintaining and building relationships. I understand listening to podcasts while jogging or driving to work, but what about texting while walking to the mailbox, IM'ing while cooking supper, blogging while doing laundry, and checking my stocks while sitting on the commode? How much of my previously "down time" can my brain stand to have filled? I keep wondering how much character Moses would have built for the 40 years he spent shepherding in the desert, or how mighty the prophets of old would have been, if they had had notebooks (laptops) and more information than they could possibly process (internet)? So, it comes back to how do we (NA Church) engage Mosaics who are seeking? Ok, you nailed me - I think people in general have deceived themselves in believing they are creators instead of consumers of content. So my personal challenge is how to reach anyone God places in my path and then relate to him in such a way that he becomes convinced that he, like I, has spent too much time with technology instead of on relationship building, and has spent too much money(time) pulling more cable channels into his house than he can possibly watch in two lifetimes. Gotta go now – an all new episode of House is coming on. Viewer discretion is advised… -pj
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