Researchers are investigating the changes in societal norms for the generation known as the Millennials, which is growing up in both virtual and real communities. Also known as the “Echo Boomers” (or children of Baby Boomers), the eldest members of this group are approaching 30, and the youngest constituents are about 13. This group is facing a different modernity than those that preceded it.
The Pew Research Center has been defining the personality of this next generation in its “coming-of-age” phase, looking at how it acts upon values, attitudes and worldviews. Not only are they the least religiously observant youth, but they are the most ethnically and racially diverse cohort in the nation's history.[2] Politically, they are starting out as the most progressive group in modern history. For example, in the 2008 election, Millennials voted for Barack Obama over John McCain by 66%-32%, while adults ages 30 and older split their votes 50%-49%. Their voting practices reflect that Millennials view themselves as more tolerant and significantly more liberal than their predecessors. [3] While they are slightly more confident in the government, Millennials are more likely to volunteer and make their own change within their community.
The most compelling feature of this generation is its relationship to digital media and the internet. Pew reports, “They are the first generation in human history who regard behaviors like tweeting and texting, along with websites like Facebook, YouTube, Google and Wikipedia, not as astonishing innovations of the digital era, but as everyday parts of their social lives and their search for understanding.”[4] This generation is engaged in all things digital. Mobile phone use has climbed steadily among teens 12-17 from 63 percent in 2006 to 71 percent in 2008.[5] In the United States, 93% of teens and young adults ages 12-29 go online, and three-fourths of those online use social network sites.[6] Teens and young adults use the internet as one of their main resources; 63% use it for news, 48% have purchased items, and 31% get health and fitness tips.[7]
Teens are accessing information online at any time and sharing their opinions and media creations around the world. The internet provides new kinds of public space for youth to interact and receive feedback from each other. These teens are participating in a dynamic online world that blurs public and private lines.[8] The way teens “hang out” includes engaging in interest-driven hobbies on the internet. This behavior is important because young people are motivated to learn from their peers and respect each other’s authority online whereas they might not in formal settings such as schools.[9]
However, youth are not fully using the potential of their time spent on the internet. Research shows that, while 31% use the internet for health and fitness tips, only 17% of online teens report they use the internet to gather information on “hard to discuss” topics such as drug use and sexual health.[10] While young people are learning and engaging differently because of access to digital media, their usage could extend into other realms. For YouthMuse, the key is transforming usage of internet and social media into a conduit for social action. The project is harnessing the power of social media and the interest of teens by giving direction and structure through a third element, the cultural sector, to enable and engage youth. In turn, the cultural organizations become assets to the youth and better serve their communities.
[1] Howard, Philip N. "The Arab Uprising's Cascading Effects." Miller-McCune. 23 Feb. 2011. Web. 07 Mar. 2011.
[2] Keeter, Scott, and Paul Taylor. "The Millennials." Pew Research Center. 11 Dec. 2009. Web. 07 Mar. 2011.
[3] Keeter, 2009
[4] Keeter, 2009
[5] MacArthur Foundation. Re- Imagining Learning in the 21st Century. Chicago: MacArthur Foundation, 2009. Print.
[6] Lenhart, Amanda, Kristen Purcell, Aaron Smith, and Kathryn Zickuhr. "Social Media and Young Adults." Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project. 3 Feb. 2010. Web. 07 Mar. 2011.
[7] Lenhart, 2011
[8] MacArthurFoundation. 2009.
[9] MacArthurFoundation.2009.
[10] Lenhart, 2010
