CYBEREmpathy ISSUE 2/2012. Cyber Sky Jarosław Kinal, Grown up digital (?) – Book Review
JAROSŁAW KINAL
GROWN UP DIGITAL (?) BOOK REVIEW Mode of access: Internet via World Wide Web.
Illustration: http://www.grownupdigital.com/downloads/chapter.pdf
Abstract:
The Canadian Internet researcher Don Tapscott, in his book “Grow up Digital” is trying to describe the phenomenon of NetGeneration – contemporary, online generation, in the context of the changes in their lifestyle, evolution of relationships and cultural norms. The book Is written in subjective and journalistic style.
JAROSŁAW KINAL Institute of Sociology University of Rzeszow
Grown Up Digital (?)
Don Tapscott, Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation is Changing Your World, McGraw-Hill, 2008. ISBN 0-07-150863-5, pages 540.
www.CyberEmpathy.com
graduate of journalism and communication (Jagiellonian University) and e-marketing (Tichner’s European University in Krakow). In past he cooperated with few editorial offices: Accually he’s Managing Editor of the scientific journal Przestrzeń Społeczna (Social Space).
CYBEREmpathy ISSUE 2/2012. Cyber Sky Jarosław Kinal, Grown up digital (?) – Book Review
The Author, who is considered a successor of Marchall McLuhan, is trying to present, in the case study form, the results of his study in the USA, which are about the sociological changes taking place in the contemporary society. However, as Barbara Fatyga points out, in the introduction to the Tapscott’s book: The problem is in that, the results of researcher are generally in the form of generalization, and the socalled blankets are discussed in details and specifically highlighted in the text (Tapscott 2010:8). It is impossible to not agree with the author of the foreword. Already after the first few pages, there is noticeable the manner of author, which aimed at presenting generalizations without providing specific quantitative data. It should also be noted that Tapscott in his book does not use precise concept. The reader at some point may not understand the author’s arguments, who ones use, for example term “generation” refers to the American population, and on the other times for mankind in general. However, you may understand D. Tapscott’s intention. The networks generation is being not limited by the community of territory, history and tradition. Networks generation are those who are on-line, and the being on-line is one of the measure of participation in the networks society, which has its own hierarchy – as the Tapscott and also Manuel Castells mention. The book consist of the introduction, called "Methods of research, teams, thanks" and three other parts: "Getting to know the network generation," "Transforming institutions" and "Transforming society." The first two parts consist of four chapters each, and the last one contains three chapters. Interesting is the author’s statement, appearing in the foreword to the book. Author admit that the book was created, inter alia, by the activity and creativity the members of the group on social networking site Facebook. So, we can say, that it is the first scientific book, created with the help of active participants in the Web 2.0. The first part of his book, Don Tascott devote to defense of the NetGeneration, that contrary to the opinion of skeptics, does not consider it useless, anarchist mass. He believe, that it is the most intelligent generation in history, blessed with talents that are missing elderly people - young people are forced to be active (p.41). What’s www.CyberEmpathy.com
CYBEREmpathy ISSUE 2/2012. Cyber Sky Jarosław Kinal, Grown up digital (?) – Book Review more, the author contrasts the representatives of the network generation, who are forced to creatively aquire information, with their parents, who are just passive recipients of media. In his opinion, the ability to select the information, in the Information Age, allows not only the development of criticism but also the analytical skills needed to describe the situation and verify the sources Moreover, the author explicitly points out that the generation of the network is the most creative generation since the beginning of mankind. The downside of this chapter are repetition and interweaving the interesting, scientific reasoning, by anecdotes of the author’s children. These story was designer to credibility of Tapscott’s arguments, in his intention, but in consequence, they can cause weariness and ironic attitudes the reader to the ideas, which are presented. The reasoning contained in the second part of Tapscott book are very inspiring. The most interesting are arguments, about the outdated way of education in schools. The author referred to the problem of education, which corresponding to the needs of labor market. The Author quoting one of the participants in-depth interview, indicates, that: the practical and direct approach, open discussions and honest criticism is the best way of learning. Sometimes it can seems too hard, but it helps to build confidence and allows for collaboration between the authors (p. 242). It is difficult not to agree with this statement. The modern economy requires from the employees the ability to work in a group and the precise expression of ideas, concepts and creative approach to the outsourced functions, while maintaining the flexibility of work. However, the author also points to the care of individuals among the employees. With regard to the teaching profession, Tapscott proposes that part of subject ran experienced practitioners, which will break a national approach students from the schematic theories and mnemonic nature of education. The author of the Grown Up Digital also proposes, in the way of theoretical classes, more case studies than expository teaching methods. In the second part of book Tapscott also points out the problem of the „rat race”. According to the research conducted by the author, interviewees would work more effectively if the individual incentive schemes are introduced and appreciated the time and efforts for the company, not only held accountable for the project andapplied the elimination of employees for whom work is not his whole life (p. 279). The author indicates to the positives attributes of network generation: mobility, flexibility and the fact that the members of NetGeneration when choosing jobs, guided not only the salary, but also additional benefits offer. As noted by the author on page 287, the www.CyberEmpathy.com
CYBEREmpathy ISSUE 2/2012. Cyber Sky Jarosław Kinal, Grown up digital (?) – Book Review Internet generation is characterized by multitasking. When they have to deal with the linear function, become less effective. The last part of the book is devoted to the transformation of traditional society into a mobile, networking society. Tapscott refers to the example of Barrack Obama’s ghostwriter, Chris Hughes, who despite 20 years is preparing the speeches for the most powerful man of the world. The author points out that the most important, in the network generation, is an idea and talent, and shows another example of a man of success: Mark Zuckerberg – the founder of Facebook. In the following chapters, the author shows the political and social involvement of the younger generation, his sensitivity to the plight of others and willingness to help. It is also symptomatic of the assertion that young Americans are proud of the country they live in but not of the people who govern them (p.410). In the context of today's protests regarding ACTA, freedom of expression and movement of the American "Tea Party", these words seem to be an accurate assessment of reality. In summary, the book “Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation is Changing Your World”, is interesting item for sociologists, researchers of social change and the internet fans. Some of the topics contained in hundreds of pages of the book may also be interesting to marketers and usability experts. The previously mentioned imprecise language and generalizations are striking. However, the way the narrative is accessible, even for the less linguistically and technologically competent readers. Despite some differences between American and Polish society still remains the open question whether any of these society has reached the stage of digital adulthood or only aspire to it.
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