As a Baby Boomer, I’ve heard constantly how we lack techno-saavy. It appears that the generation that created the computer is being criticized for not thinking up all the ways it could be used into eternity. So at the same time we are decried for our reluctance or hesitation to fill our lives with machines, we are also being shunned for invading other generations’ cyberspace.
Recently, the Gen Y children of a good friend were bemoaning the fact that Boomers were invading the social networks in droves. This, after all, they said, was “their” place – a Gen Y community and others were not welcome to move in. Or if you did want to participate, couldn’t you at least stay in the Boomer “ghetto” of the social network? I totally respect that we all want a place where we can meet and greet others who share our sensibilities, allowing us to relax in an atmosphere of shared consciousness. But I have to ask then, when do we cross the line where we begin to create on-line the same constraints that we have created socially and isn’t that a great waste of the limitless potential of the technological tools that offer global connectivity?
Filed under: Gen-Mix Best Practices | Tagged: Baby Boomers, Gen Y, global connectivity, social constraints
My experience has been quite different. Both in my personal life and in a professional capacity, I have seen young people of Generations Y and X, as well as Millenials, welcome people of all ages into their social networks. People do seem to fall into two camps – those that accept almost everyone that requests permission to be a “friend” and those that are very selective and accept only a few cherished individuals to be in their network. Some of the selectivity may be a function of how much time one has to spend at networking and not wanting to have to make “conversation” with folks you wouldn’t want to talk to in person either. The great thing about most of the social networking sites is that they have many features to help limit and control access. Those Gen Y children you mention should use the tools and get over themselves! Luckily for me, most of my Boomer friends and their networks are filled with people of all ages and backgrounds – and it makes for much fun and interesting chatter!