Grown Up Digital

Grown Up Digital examines the generation born between 1977 and 1997, which Tapscott calls the "Net Generation." Based on a $4 million research project involving 7,600 young people, the book explores how this demographic thinks, behaves, and approaches work and life differently than previous generations. The research reveals eight core characteristics of Net Generation members, including their desire for freedom, customization, collaboration, and innovation. Through case studies and data, Tapscott investigates how these traits manifest in education, employment, family relationships, civic engagement, and consumer behavior. Through interviews with Net Generation members and their parents, teachers, and employers, the book presents strategies for bridging generational gaps. The text addresses concerns about digital immersion while highlighting the potential benefits of growing up in an interconnected world. The book serves as both a demographic study and a roadmap for institutions adapting to technological change. Its findings challenge common assumptions about digital natives and present a vision of how society might evolve as this generation assumes leadership roles.

Readers view this book as a counter to negative stereotypes about digital natives, though many find it repetitive and overlong. Readers appreciated: - Research-backed insights into how young people use technology - Examples of digital natives succeeding in education and work - Balanced perspective on both benefits and risks of technology Common criticisms: - Too much anecdotal evidence rather than hard data - Writing style is dry and academic - Many points are repeated throughout - Overly optimistic view of technology's impact One reader noted: "Good insights but could have been condensed to 100 pages." Another said: "Relies too heavily on cherry-picked success stories." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (1,124 ratings) Amazon: 4/5 (89 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.5/5 (43 ratings) Most negative reviews focus on the book's length and repetition, while positive reviews highlight its research and hopeful message about young people's relationship with technology.

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📚 Don Tapscott spent $4 million on research for this book, conducting surveys with 11,000 young people across 12 countries. 🌐 The book introduces the term "Net Generation" (or N-Gen) to describe people born between 1977 and 1997, the first generation to grow up surrounded by digital technology. 💡 While writing the book, Tapscott discovered that multitasking teens actually process information differently than previous generations, developing unique neural pathways. 🎓 The research revealed that 74% of Net Generation students used the internet for school research, compared to only 42% who used television for learning. 🤝 The book challenges the popular notion that digital natives are antisocial, showing that 77% of N-Geners use social media to deepen real-world relationships rather than replace them.