Social Networks
Generation Y use Social Networks daily to connect with friends, family, but also building networks to help take next steps in careers. For Generation Y using social networks is a normal form of communication just like phone and email.
Mary,
very true & why we need to help our students to develop those interpersonal skills as well as vocational training.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have also noticed this phenomenon. Gen Yers have hundreds of "friends" but too often have problems communicating with their fellow classmates. When encouraged to join study groups I hear some state that they "don't know anybody in the class to study with". The definition of "friend" has definetly changed over the generations.
Robb,
this is a great point & one that is a new occurrence. What does the term "friend" now mean? How can we help our students make connections on an interpersonal level?
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Concur with your comment. It's interesting to see students socialize with individuals hundreds and thousands of miles away, while ignoring fellow students sitting only a few feet away.
Plus the illusion of really knowling all of those 300 people, as well as how to interact with them effectively, can cause issues as well.
Gen Y does see social networking as a way of life and a normal means for communication. However, I worry that there will eventually be an information overload. My personal network consists of over 300 people. Sometimes it is hard to filter out the "useful" information from the daily banter.
Shaneka,
and the social networks are proving to be a great resource & tool in regard to building those networks for careers.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
