The Virtual Generation
Teens everywhere spend much of their lives in a virtual reality enhanced by their access to technology. Their iPods, camera phones, and handheld
games go with them wherever they go, and when they return home, they use computer services like instant messaging, MySpace, and LiveJournal to interact with friends.
Dr. Michael Rich, Director of CMCH, often has to explain to parents that teens “change identities as often as they change clothes. They are trying stuff out, creating themselves out of the mosaic of possibilities – this is how they become unique individuals…What happens with YouTube and MySpace and blogs is that they get to play out these virtual personae.
It remains to be seen how this works out … We have a huge uncontrolled experiment going on.”
» See Full Story
games go with them wherever they go, and when they return home, they use computer services like instant messaging, MySpace, and LiveJournal to interact with friends.
Dr. Michael Rich, Director of CMCH, often has to explain to parents that teens “change identities as often as they change clothes. They are trying stuff out, creating themselves out of the mosaic of possibilities – this is how they become unique individuals…What happens with YouTube and MySpace and blogs is that they get to play out these virtual personae.
It remains to be seen how this works out … We have a huge uncontrolled experiment going on.”
» See Full Story