Why do Gen Yers fear being out of touch?
In the module this question was asked, but I don't think the answer given was an answer at all. It only said that technology connects Yers to others. It said they want to have access and that not to have access is something they fear. BUT it never said WHY they fear that unless I missed something.
I think perhaps because that feeling of technological connection is something they have had available to them for as long as they can remember. They have never existed in a world where they are not constantly "connected"- therefore, the fear of the of unknown, the fear of not being connected, is scary.
Ronald,
it actually was answered, they fear being out of touch because they are so connected from a "community" standpoint which is vital to the gen y students. If they are out of touch, they fear they are missing the latest piece of gossip or information that is so vital to them in their communities.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
This is an area that I must admit is difficult for me - to be connected 24/7 is overwhelming - way to much information, talk, gossip, following, etc. However, it must be talked about with us older folks, as the need for connection is their social venue. I can see that this younger generation does fear not being connected, they have also grown up in a world of 24/7 information and connection. The key is balance, and to have face-to-face connections as well; the traditional classroom can do this; through group work and assignments.
Noreen,
and I think we also can take the opportunities to help them understand the value of unplugging sometimes & not being constantly connected.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
If generally true, it is scary. It looks like a herd of sheep, always moving together, not thinking for themselves, or being able to do anything independently. The amount of constant background chatter would be so overwhelming that any ability to just sit back and reflect could be nonexistent. That is an extreme view, and maybe it will change as they get older, but I don't like it. I think most people tend to be followers, unfortunately, and maybe there are some advantages to using technology to enhance this--as compared to a lonely individual, a group of people may be harder to move into something crazy. On the other hand, once there they may also be harder to stop.
It is very scary. Online bullying didn't exist few year back. Social media and the need to be constantly connected stems from our curiosity. What are my friends doing? Are they having fun without me? Even some Gen X and Baby Boomers are now being addicted to it. The funny thing is, although we are now constantly connected, people are more lonely these days. This is why Gen Y maybe out of touch.
I belief the term now is FOMO, 'fear of missing out'. I thought it was just a made-up notion, but now I see that it is a 'fact' or at least a real perception.
Andrew,
I think a good catch is the "perception." However, to a certain extent their perception is their reality & we must be aware that they feel this way.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think as an instructor that’s part of my job to put together a class that is interesting engaging with as much lab as possible. So that the student does disconnect and put the phone down if only for one hour.
I cannot relate to the need to constantly connect. So it is hard for me to relate to my students who have to constantly check thier phone. What it seems like to me is an addiction, they cannot wait to get the next ping or tweet.
As an educator, what I would like to know is how long can my students go without, 1 hour? 15 minutes? If I knew how long then I would have a frame of reference.
What's going to happen to these students when they go to work and they cannot connect as freely?
There are a lot of reasons for this state of affairs. Remember, many of this generation were in elementary or middle school when 911 happened. They were blanketed with fear and many parents were over-protective. At the same time, the Internet came into maturity, so they grew up in contact with their peers at all times. From the outside it often seems like a herd mentality, but I think that is an over simplification. I think the metaphor of a flock of birds is more appropriate, perhaps. Plus, Boomer and GenX-ers haven't given them a lot of room in the cultural terrain (music, movies, etc...)
Brian,
you are right; we may be frustrated by their constant texting, etc but they have grown up in this constant communication with others & so it's just part of their world now.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
