In this article analyzing the evolving world of new Internet based technologies and the growing “generation gap” between “The Greatest Generation” (1900-45) and “Net Natives” (1981-today), we explore the vast changes in technology and the pace of change itself.

Yes, communications technology has been present and pervasive since the dawn of radio in the 1920’s and the birth of the Federal Communications Commission in 1934. However, with instantaneous access to the Internet and the latest innovations in wireless access, pervasive, interactive “appliances” (phones, I-Pod’s, Blackberries, etc.), are widespread and growing at a remarkable clip. Here’s some current statistics.

Broadband Technology Use in California June 2009
Californians and Information Technology and Just the Facts - California's Digital Divide are summary reports of our 2009 survey, conducted annually to track the progress of broadband deployment and adoption throughout California. Californians have increased adoption and access:

• 62% subscribe to broadband (55% in 2008)
• 76% use the internet (70% in 2008)
• 75% own a computer (72% in 2008)
• 37% use social networking (26% in 2008)
• 51% access government services (43% in 2008)
• 63% access news (55% in 2008)
• 58% shop (52% in 2008)
• 55% access health information (50% in 2008)
• 53% access Community Information (47% in 2008)
44% access housing information (44% in 2008)

Communications technology growth and influence has been pervasive during the last seventy years. However, how we use technology has radically changed during the years separating the generations. Defining our perceptions of each other, of the world around us, and possession of our "valuables" have always been a process of one generation “handing” knowledge and authority to the next – as one generation retires, the next inherited the proverbial “keys to the car” and assumed responsibility for “driving” the society.

Younger generations have always enjoyed a greater influence in our societal trends and tastes than older generations. But the “keys to the car”, ownership of the society, always was firmly in control of older generations. No “keys” to the larger society until the older generation gave them up. Youth must wait, right? Wrong? What has changed? Access to knowledge has changed, everything.

The role of “teacher” has moved from traditional education systems and parents to “the cloud”, or the vast database of knowledge available via the Internet. “Net Natives” the youngest of our four distinct generations, have experience their world in a fundamentally unique way - unlike any previous generation in human history. Their early adoption of computers in the home and school providing highly personal and instantaneous access to knowledge via Google. has changed the rules of the generational game and the inheritance of the “societal keys”.

Today’s “Net Native Generation” don’t envision “someday getting a good job”. Rather, they see business ownership as attainable by the age of thirty. We observe many “twenty-somethings” as successful entrepreneurs, and realistic or not, their goal is to be wealthy by the time they are thirty years old. Is it any wonder why the “gap” is growing? Net Natives are bypassing the “be patient” phase of professional development and ignoring the pleas of parents and teachers. The traditional "generations gap" between young and old is both widening and at a faster pace than ever before. Each generation looks at the other and asks "Who are these people?"

The Greatest Generation – Change happens over many generations and with much planning - "Be patient!" Consider men and woman in their seventies and older who have been active and productive for decades. They are living longer and, because of their experience, they may hold offices of great prestige and influence. These are the “Greatest Generation” as newsman Tom Brokaw refers to them, (1900-45). Our elders are hieratical, chain-of-command, traditionalists, who have survived times of great wealth, several world wars, grinding poverty and life-ending changes.

The Net Natives – Believe in instant messaging and instant change - "Why Wait?" Side-by-side, in many places of business and in our extended families, are the “Net Natives” (1981-today), the youngest of our four generations. The 25 million members of this “millennial” generation are early adopters of all technology and eagerly use “instantaneous” Internet access to each other and historical records. They have never tolerated “going to the library to research a paper”, or “listening to the DJ on the radio”, or “anticipating the new Network TV Fall season” or watching commercials. They have had instantaneous access to all information from birth. They are constantly "editing" just the information they want, when they want it, and sharing "all" with friends. They are confident, transparent, and seem brash and impatient. “Why should I wait for you to give me the keys…. I’ll invent my own car company!”

So what comes next? Here are a couple simple recommendations.

For the Greatest Generation... let’s acknowledge today’s world is moving at an amazingly fast pace and we can learn much from our grandchildren. Let’s be patient and become students as well as teachers. Let's learn from each other and be a role model to our youth, demonstrating patience and acceptance of worthwhile new ideas. Let’s help youth make our world a better place by shaping and using new technologies in innovative ways.

For Net Natives, the pace of information maybe lightening fast but emotions, personal relationships, and meaningful human understanding requires time and patience. Seek out older friends with a little gray in the hairs that remain. Take a moment to value those “elders” who appreciate your value to our society and listen to you and your friends. You may need to speak a little slower and explain some "techno-jargon" but the time spent will be well worth the effort. The Greatest Generation can tell you stories of great sacrifice, humility and joy. They don't want to be in the way but they reject being kicked to the side.

The immediate future before us is dark and threatening. Let’s let the Net Natives light the path and the Greatest Generation point the way. The journey ahead requires our best efforts to right past wrongs and discover new solutions. Now is the time for the very best in each of us.