OSINT: The kids are alright

Book Review from Dr. Tom Barnett, Strategic Planner and past Professor at the United States Naval War College. WWW.Thomaspmbarnett.com

BOOKS AND ARTS: "The net generation: The kids are alright; Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation Is Changing Your World, by Don Tapscott (McGraw-Hill)

“Young people today are "accused of being unread, bad at communicating, socially inept, shameless, dishonest, workshy, narcissistic and indifferent to the needs of others."

I have a lot of complaints about my kids, especially my two teenagers, but most of those don't apply, I will say.

Tapscott says this generation is "smarter, quicker and more tolerant of diversity" as well. They "care strongly about justice, and are actively trying to improve society."

Gladwell, in his new book, Outliers, says 10,000 hours, or roughly ten years of effort, is required to become a true master of something. Based on my growth as a writer and public speaker, I would say that sounds absolutely correct: it's a solid decade of constant practice to get good. There are no shortcuts.

Well, the Net Gens have put in roughly 20k hours on the Internet and 10k on videogames.

I will attest to both with my kids, who rarely watch broadcast TV--except Fox on Sunday nights.

The eight norms identified:
1) value freedom and choice in everything
2) love to customize and personalize
3) scrutinize everything
4) demand integrity and openness, especially in purchases and life decisions
5) want entertainment in their work and education and social life
6) love to collaborate
7) expect everything to happen fast
8) expect constant innovation

Hmm. I think America will do fine with that oddly ambitious bunch.
Just give them their Facebook at work and augment their lack of reference-capable education (weak on facts) and accept their nice focus and optimism regarding families.”