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They are everywhere. These new zombie-like creatures, BlackBerrys in hand, earphones in their ears, eyes on the screen and head in the clouds. We have now reached a stage where chalkboards and pens are being replaced with touchscreens and styluses; where iPads are replacing notebooks. Popularity is no longer about how many people know you in college but how many followers you have on twitter. E-magazines are the new rage and social media is a tool to support causes and make your voice heard.
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In the middle of all the noisily tapped keys and touch screens, have you ever stopped to wonder why we find everyone complaining? Some say that this touch screen generation does not have enough personal contact, and how emails can never replicate letters, and more. Well, I, as a member of the so called “digitalised generation,” beg to differ. Everybody from my grandfather to my cousins can now do things more easily, efficiently, and quickly by doing it digitally. My parents can use Facebook to catch up with old friends, my grandfather can Skype his grandchildren on the other side of the world, and my little sister can simulate a flying experience and be the pilot on a computer.
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We often find older generations raving, ranting or simply stating how “today’s kids simply don’t appreciate what they have.” With all due respect to our seniors out there, not only do we appreciate its beauty, but we also know its power. And that is exactly why every year the age of entrepreneurs goes younger and younger. I no longer have to depend on my father’s contacts to get myself a job. I can use the Internet to find my own, or even better, start up my own organization. So yes, we may be slightly mechanized, iHuman like characters who may seem like they don’t have a care in the world beyond the latest iOS update or new tablet PC around. But, in a few years, we’ll be a force to be reckoned with, because not only have we grown up using technology as part of our day to day life, we’re the ones who helped it evolve.
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This digitized generation is the same one that was part of the social movements in Libya and in Egypt. The same one that helped Anna Hazare make a noise, and will help Invisible Children’s Kony 2012 movement. We’re much like the generation of 1857 in the first war of independence. Except, we’re armed differently. With our minds, and with our touch screens.
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Freia Lobo is a 17- year- old student from Mumbai. She is currently in the 12th grade. She loves writing poetry and fiction whenever she gets the time, and is a voracious reader. She loves fantasy, mystery and thrillers but has a soft spot for chick lit. She plays the piano and enjoys listening to everything from Rahat Fateh Ali Khan to Lady Gaga. She blogs here www.themumbaigirl.blogspot.com