I have to get back to the future!

Having been born in the late ‘70s (ahem) I can clearly recall the amazing transformation that digital innovations quickly brought to my everyday life. I got to witness the significant firsts that made everything suddenly accessible – the first web site I visited (in awe), my first ICQ chat with people I just met “online”, the first search engine I used for research, my first “wireless” phone (what a brick!); and the list goes on and on. The things that we pretty much take for granted now.

‘The bottom line is this: if you understand the Net Generation, you will understand the future.’ D. Tapscott

I just started reading Don Tapscott’s Grown Up Digital which predicts and discusses the traits of the Net Generation (aka Gen Z, Digital Natives). Those born in the ‘90s who will never have penpals, fax a confirmation, or look at an encyclopedia (among a million other things). This notion of such a generation gap initially scared me – imagine a generation that has everything accessible at all times, anywhere!

But then it got me thinking about the unique opportunities this brings to my so-called Y Generation (aka Trophy Kids, Echo Boomers). We get to be the first group to fully share and embrace future experiences with the younger lot – our nieces, nephews and kids. Something that even our parents can’t say.

We will also get to use phrases that start with “Back in my day…”. Here’s to looking forward, together.