I came across a post from LeeAnn Prescot, researcher at Hitwise, she talks about 18-24 year olds and their website preferences. LeeAnn says that based on her statistics, these internet users are much more interested in creating and sharing content than the average internet user.

 

She also said "the activities young people engage in are not that much different now than before the current technology explosion, but the tools are different. For artists, writers, and car aficionados, these sites offer a form of expression and facilitate connections that would not have been possible 20 years ago."

 

I think this is actually what it is all about. The emerging posibilities on the web and with other digital media have created new posibilities for us (not only youngsters) to connect with others, express ourselfs, reflect on our own and others actions, create all kinds of stuff and maybe even knowledge....

 

Just to give you an example from my own research endeavors. I am currently in contact with several researchers who are also studying on the topic of the Net-generation. I haven't met them all via the internet, but it do helps me to keep in close contact with their thoughts (via blogs or email), without having to actual meet these people. This way, the internet has helped me to expand my network and to maintain it. Something, i believe wouldnt have happened this fast without the technology.