If you're under 30 and plugged into the social web, chances are you're an idiot, according to a new book by Professor Mark Bauerlein.  I dare you to prove that wrong.

Okay, so perhaps I'm oversimplifying the thesis of  The Dumbest Generation  just as much as the title of the book was selected for shock value.  But there is an important warning in Bauerlein's work that you need to hear, and if it takes a bold statement like that to get your attention, so be it.  We know how difficult it is to compete for your time and attention in this new age of constant information overload.

Bauerlein argues that while today's American youth have more disposable income and more educational opportunities -- and most importantly, more computational firepower at their fingertips that could be used productively -- the techno-tools of the twenty-first century are instead being used to prolong and amplify the adolescent phase of life.  Back in the days when teenagers at home were only connected to the outside world (and their adolescent peers) by "what is now known as a 'land line,'" they were forced for a few hours a day to relate to adults (their parents), and perhaps even pick up a book for diversion.  Teens born to the internet era are constantly plugged into the social web and relating to other teens almost 24 hours a day, and while it is the duty of all teens to resent quality time with their parents and other grown-ups, it is nevertheless a vital developmental process.

It is also the time-honored tradition of each generation to chastise the generation below it for straying from the status quo, Bauerlein concedes, but this holier-than-thou attitude is an important part of how we pass on our cultural heritage.  And because of the pervasive influence of information technology on today's youth, this somewhat condescending advice from old to young is more important than ever.  Overloaded young people are under constant pressure to "check in" with their friends and maintain their social networks, and thus for some reason feel constantly rushed and busy even though studies show TV-watching time is on the rise.  And even though the internet can connect people all over the world for potentially limitless learning experiences and discussions, studies also show that knowledge levels in basic elements of our culture -- fine arts, civics, current events, history, etc. -- are on the decline. 

In short, if you don't wanna grow up, the internet says you don't have to.

Video source page. 

So are you just going to take that from some old guy?  Or from me?  Because frankly, as a teaching assistant who has been grading papers for the last several years, I have to agree with some of Bauerlein's points thanks to the declining quality of assignments my students turn in.  But I am also a fierce advocate of the educational and civic potential of the internet and social networks, if they are used to productive ends.  (You know, like Think MTV!) 

What are you doing with today's technology that's more useful than sharing funny YouTube videos with your friends?  How are you using your social networks for good?  Leave me a comment or shoot me an email (here on Think or by  regular email) about how you buck the title of this book, and we'll see if we can't turn it into an upcoming story here for Choose or Lose '08.