What exactly were you trying to say CBS?
In researching media coverage of the Millennial Generation, I just came across this CBS News video that aired on November 21, 2008. Titled “Gen Y Social Misfits?”, I am still trying to figure out the point of the story. Is that Gen Y is the most techno-savvy generation? Is it that twenty-somethings spend so much time online that they have lost the ability to communicate face-to-face. Or is it that the Millennials spending so much time online has altered their brain wave patterns?
In general, I found the title of the piece to be inflammatory, the overall tone of the video to be negative, the focus unclear, and the net result to be one that perpetuates the “we (all of us well-adjusted people) vs. they (the Millennial Generation that needs to be fixed)” diversity tension.
Here is what I see as relevant:
1. The fact that twenty-somethings are “native” technology speakers is a good thing. That is their gift.
2. When a Millennial texts his or her friends, they are engaging in their version of “face-to-face” conversations.
3. Yes, by the year 2011, Gen Y will make up between 50 and 60 percent of the workforce. Ernst & Young is a company ahead of the curve in recognizing this demographic fact.
4. Why not make training in generational differences and face-to-face communication required for EVERYONE? Finally, visit any organization today and I think you will agree that it is not only the Millennial Generation that could benefit from a refresher course on face-to-face communication
Tags: commentary, Millennials, Observations, reviews