New Perception, Who Dis
February 20, 2018 |
Cultural evolution happens when others learn and evolve socially rather than individually. Different age groups, including the Boomer generation, generation X and generation Y have experienced digital media in varying ways. For example, generation Y lived and learned through a part of the short but immense digital evolution. Through that evolution, we learned how important digital media truly was and how digital media is now an integral part of modern life. You can thank us millennials for the new perception on it.
Participation is a key factor in looking at generational differences in the use of digital media. A Jean Burgess article on cultural participation and memes includes an eye-opening quote, "Viewed from the perspective of cultural participation rather than marketing, videos are not 'messages', and neither are they 'products' that are distributed via social networks. Rather, they are the mediating mechanisms through which cultural practices are originated, adopted and (sometimes) retained within social networks."
Cultural participation is more important to my generation than to others. Today, older generations view online content and digital media as "products" or "messages" which can be used in a business perspective. As opposed to the younger generational view, which sees online content from the perspective of cultural participation and pegs those "messages" and "products" as something that produces culture.
Why didn't the older generations have such impact as generation Y on digital media?
An interesting thought on stereotype from this article on generations and digital media comments on a photograph of a woman using a smart phone, "If you think she's dialing a phone number, perhaps you're a Boomer. If you said she's texting, you're probably from Generation X. If you think she's uploading a selfie to Instagram, you may be a Millennial - and if you imagine she's adjusting her home-heating temperature as she leaves the office, you're perhaps part of the generation to come." The difference in perception is seen in popular culture or traditions including here, the smart phone, or another example, social media sites. The way we used those, comparatively, is a key aspect
The generational difference article states that the "differences may be more generational than cultural," however, that generational difference was because of participation and frequency of it. Rather than calling generation X the "pioneers" of digital media, I think they align with the Boomers. This young generation of mine are the real "pioneers," not just digital natives who "didn't have to learn anything at all." We took an opportunity with new digital media and new digital technology to fit in culturally and to make our lives better; which then changed everyone else too.
So, what we know is, today, older generations see digital media and online content from a business perspective mainly. Younger generations see digital media as a way of social connection, entertainment and a young, culturally heavy environment. An explosion of culture and evolution in digital media happened in just two decades thanks to millennial's participation.
If we did not participate with digital media as we did in the past, or as we do today, the older generation's perspective as abusiness and marketing objective wouldn't be what it is either. Successful digital business today is relevant, posting regularly, and being present across several platforms. That is a direct correlation to the way young people have and continue to use digitalmedia. If not for participation of our younger generation, digital media wouldn't be on the forefront of business, culture, entertainment, etc.
My grandma asks me frequently for help with her iPhone and computer. She witnessed both come into existence but still needs help using the basic functions of these devices. Older generations, including my grandmother, did not participate with digital media until younger generations made it culturally appropriate and a part of life. What's interesting, is that it took the participation of the younger generation for the older generations to really see the importance of digital media. That being said, the importance of digital media can be seen all around you today, even as your eyes dance across this screen.
