It is still true that people as a social element have three core needs. One of them is to be respected as a totally specific individual. Social networks reflect this need. The second need is the need to belong somewhere. This need too can be fulfilled better and faster on social networks than in the real world. In addition, we have the need to be appreciated and that is what we so often call for on networks. Maybe, social networks and Internet represent a new platform to satisfy these needs. Their history is short, we will see.
I don’t think it is technology but people who decide about the future. Being old as I am, my personal chances are minimal. J What is important for those who will not only decide, but especially live in a digital era, being called Generation Y or Millennials by their birth dates?
These are their preferences according to the research realized in the USA:
- meaningful work
- salary less important
- high level of self-fulfillment
- demanding work
- don´t care for high level of responsibility
They want work mobility, working at night too, prefer freelance work, and believe that their working time will be flexible in future. In a team, they prefer working online, use smartphones, and often download applications suitable for their work. Thanks to the Internet, the importance of the place as a geographical location necessary for work is disappearing.
What are they like and how are they different from previous generations:
- high level of narcissism
- open to changes
- creative
- adaptable
- entrepreneurial spirit
The worse situation is regarding their optimism, self-esteem, and team skills. Some qualities are typical for young generations in general, and so their connection to a digital era is just marginal. Nevertheless, and absolutely naturally, employers show the highest interest in them.
Recently, I have read an interesting article in Lidové noviny newspaper on “digital dissent” and an interview with its Berlin intellectual leader Thilo Utke. Besides the omnipresent Internet, smartphones, and new applications which will create a bridge between technology and users, he speaks about the battle against freedom restraint, global monitoring, protection of personal freedom, but also about creative potential of young generation. His opinions represent not only the “IT” generation but also many young people outside this profession. On the other hand, you get the feeling that the more knowledge of technology you have, the higher your chances to protect your personality are. Hackers often speak about unsustainability of personal data protection, but at the same time they are able to protect its loss very well. The founder of Facebook, Zuckerberg, said that if everything goes public, nobody will be interested anymore and the concept of privacy will be restored. Hard to tell…
Extract from a new book Digital Era which will be published by Albatros Media in Spring