Those of use lucky to be born in the age of the Internet are the “Net Generation” and also the first global generation.

In a new book by the man who coined the term “Net Generation” , the “Net Generation” is defined and its implication are analyzed. Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation is Changing Your World by Don Tapscott lists several generalization about the current youth (below 30 years) generation:

- They are “smarter, quicker and more tolerant of diversity than their predecessors.”

- “These empowered young people are beginning to transform every institution of modern life,” he argues. He devotes a whole chapter on this dealing with the Obama campaign titled: “The Net Generation and Democracy: Obama, Social Networks and Citizen Engagement”.

- He challenges the view that all the Internet use is making them dumb, instead writing that they are the “smartest generation ever”. T.V. may make people passive, but the Internet is interactive and stimulating. There is neuro-scientific evidence for this. Video game players have been found to process complex visuals more quickly and to be better at multi-tasking than earlier generations.

- They value freedom and choice in everything and customization and personalization. And they expect constant innovation.

- They want their work environment to be fun, not that work should be all play and no work, but that it should be enjoyable.

All pros, but any cons to this generations....

Yes, two

- Although the generation will be the smartest yet, one-third will fail to achieve their potential due to failing education systems in many developing and even developed nations.

- There is a lack of concern for privacy among the generation. People will post pictures and tell stories that they should keep private on such social networking sites as Facebook and MySpace. It is because of some of the lucid information and pictures on these sites that many people have failed reference tests when applying for a join. Mr. Tapscott thinks the generation will come to regret this aspect. Let us hope some of this people will relearn the value of privacy.

But, all-in-all, an alright generation.