Macey Seal
Ap English
Mrs. Getchell
24 April 2015
Gen Y-Try?
It is no secret that technology has become a prominent part of our society. Millennials are
inclined to use this technology for endless resources and other things. Of course, this use of
resources can be seen as a lack of development and intelligence. This is mostly seen by
Generation X, the ages mostly ranging from 40 to 50. One of these Generation X-ers, Mark
Bauerlin has come to say we are perhaps “the dumbest generation” and has even found reason to
write a book on it. Contrary to Mark’s thoughts that the younger generations are too dependent,
selfish, and greedy, new millennials are certainly creating a new atmosphere in which society can
do nothing but improve.
Those under the age of thirty are beginning to redefine how the world functions. New and
advancing technology creates gateways for everything, and everyone, to be connected. This
connection offers a plethora of opportunity in regards to socializing. A study of the effects of
digital media on young people states that “new media allows for a degree of freedom and
autonomy for youth…” (Source 3). Younger generations are now learning towards self-driven
and predefined attitudes that make way for the emergence of independence. This happens to
erase the “traditional markers of status and authority”, but it creates a stronger, more
distinguishable youth. This new found independence leads to more entrepreneurial ideals and
vastly more opportunity to drive today’s society forwards.
Generation Y has not only directing improvement in society as a whole, but also revived
how and why people write. Young people today expressed almost everything using some sort of
written message. As Clive Thompson argues that fact that millennials today cannot write, he
says, “Technology isn't killing our ability to write…[it’s] pushing our literacy in bold new
directions” ( Source 7). These directions are a direct result of blogging, tweeting, and texting.
These online messages force Generation Y to adapt their tone based on their audience more than
the previous generations. The online world creates for youth to communicate with their peers
easier and this creates for a way to best distribute their ideas. This never-ending writing online
allows younger generations to create “technique to best gets their point across” (Souce 7). This
creates for a more specialized, intriguing generation.
Mark Bauerlin’s argument that youth today is “the dumbest generation” is based solely
on the fact that Generation Y has utilized what was given to them. He has decided to disregard
the fact that the younger generations have expanded aspects such as literacy, but also society as a
whole. This impractical, deluded way of thinking is only perhaps Bauerlein's thoughts is
outdated. He argues that “the worldliness and autonomy of the younger generations” is not
present (Source 1). This can easily be refuted because technology has connected everything,
Generation Y has knowledge on almost every event that happens. Facebook pages to Twitter
accounts on every major event depict what is happening in the world. This allows youth to be
very aware and alert to what is happening around the world.
Generation Y can be seen as only an improvement to the way society has functioned. It’s
countless utilization of technology has allowed for society to prosper and direct towards a better
community.