Mind the Gap?

We are obsessed with difference. No doubt that every technology impacts society. No doubt that every new generation gets accustomed to certain unique ways of communicating through novel mediums. It is therefore natural for people to be concerned with “generation gaps.” The acceleration of technological change is assumed to create an acceleration of difference. Yes. It is assumed however but not determined. Expectations are but one aspect of new technology usage. We forget though that most technologies are used to fulfil something very basic and fundamental – the fostering, strengthening, and enhancing of relationships. The end incentive is not to maximize new technology but to maximize human relationships. Thereby, regardless of the widening spaces between generations, the panic of “mini-generations gaps” needs to be grounded; to remind oneself that people will continue to use a plethora of technologies to stay in touch, to connect, and to share. When I moved to the US from India in 1996, I continued to write letters to my family regularly in spite of email and instant messaging infusing my life. It had not infused theirs and to this date, still doesn’t. We should have more faith in our younger generations…most panic is created from the fear of not stimulating the younger generation enough, not “keeping up” with them, and not living up to their expectations. The irony is that the younger generation today is not that different from the youth in the past – they want what all youth wants –inspiration. To shape and share that kind of capital is what we should really concern ourselves with.