Net Generation... are we becoming anti-social?

Summary

Grown Up Digital by Don Tapscott is a book in which the author examines the new generation and titles them the Net Generation. This generation includes all individuals who grew up when the internet , hence the name "Net", became increasingly popular. In the introductory section of the book, Tapscott includes negative comments about the Net Generation that many baby boomers share. Critics claim that the social skills of Net Geners (11-30 year olds) are greatly diminshing because of addictions to the internet and video games. The countless hours spent on the internet decreses the amount of in-person interactions, and
Seemingly handicapped by technology, "screenagers" appear to have a hopeless future.

Response

This particular view about today's generation is clearly one-sided. Though we screenagers are quite techno-savvy, the internet and technology in general isn't exactly ruining our lives and social skills. Quite frankly, technology enables the Net Generation to become more self-aware and informed about society as a whole. Within the past couple of years, Net Geners have used technology not only to reserch socisl issues, but also to inform others about many national topics that are becoming increasingly important as we get older. In the last presidential campaign, screenagers used the web as a way to participate in such a huge way. Many used it to support their political party or even merely to learn more about each individual on the campaign trail. President Obama and his team strategically used the internet to connect with the younger generation because, lets face it, nowadays children aren't meant just to be seen, we are incorporating our own voices. With that being said, parents tend to listen and pay more attention to any particular candidate when their screenagers seem so enthusiastic about it. So in essence, the great WWW + the Net Generation = Great Innovation.

Rising costs... are they a must?

As a new member of the Mustang family this year, it is sometimes difficult to grasp the new found responsibilities of college life. Being away from family and friends back home is always tough, but the unconditional love and companionship that Mustangs share makes the homely feeling arise. Though this campus is beautiful and like no other, we too must check back into reality. In these tough economic times, it is becoming more and more difficult to stay afloat nevertheless dish out more bucks. According to University wide released documents, Tuition and costs are on the rise.

Here at SMU the vast majority of students are on some sort of financial aid whether it be scholarships, grants, or even work-study. Despite the many efforts put forth by the University I find myself still worrying about how I'm going to get books for my Spring semester classes. I accepted all of my financial aid offered and still find that I'm at my wits end when it comes to how I would ever be able to pay for SMU alone.

Though the University offers a variety of aid, I feel that it would be in many students best interest to offer more aid to cover the costs of books. This past week my parents had to dish out almost $1000 for books alone, not to mention that I still owe money for tuition. Its crunch time now and I know that SMU can definitely do more to aid their students in the finance department. Not to mention the fact that if we students receive outside scholarships they are deducted from the aid SMU gives us, which puts many families in a bind.

Something has to be done to inform University officials of the situation this rise in costs will put some students in, and I definitely believe that we are the ones to show them. Writing letters and e-mails, or even scheduling appointments to meet with the university officials is just a start. We need to make a move.