Technology - When will "the young" stop being the young?
Discussion
I was listening to Radio 4 this afternoon. They were talking yet again about how "the young" have different attitudes to technology, can't live without the internet, use it as their first port of call for information, surf on smartphones etc, etc... Lots of waffle about how parents don't understand their teenagers' approach to technology.
Thing is, just when are they going to get over the notion that having technology enmeshed into your life is the preserve of "the young"? I'm 39, and the programme wasn't describing anything which isn't a perfectly normal part of my everyday life. The internet tends to be my first port of call for information, and without it and a mobile, I'd be utterly screwed.
OK, I'm not the parent of teenagers, but I will be in 6 years from now, and I really can't believe that people 6-10 years older than me are all luddites. Certainly those I know aren't. On the one hand, I do work in the IT industry, but on the other, I'm not a techie.
Is there really still that big a gap? People in their 60s OK, but surely those in their 40s are by and large as technologically aware as teenagers?
Thing is, just when are they going to get over the notion that having technology enmeshed into your life is the preserve of "the young"? I'm 39, and the programme wasn't describing anything which isn't a perfectly normal part of my everyday life. The internet tends to be my first port of call for information, and without it and a mobile, I'd be utterly screwed.
OK, I'm not the parent of teenagers, but I will be in 6 years from now, and I really can't believe that people 6-10 years older than me are all luddites. Certainly those I know aren't. On the one hand, I do work in the IT industry, but on the other, I'm not a techie.
Is there really still that big a gap? People in their 60s OK, but surely those in their 40s are by and large as technologically aware as teenagers?
Shame on from all 39 year olds. 
The only reason it's so popular amongst my age group is because it's limitless.
What can't you find on the internet? We apply that basic idea to every imaginable situation, and whenever something arises that requires information beyond our current understanding, we find the closest place to research that particular piece and what's closer than almost instant access to billions and billions of pages of answers and information we don't know.
What can't you find on the internet? We apply that basic idea to every imaginable situation, and whenever something arises that requires information beyond our current understanding, we find the closest place to research that particular piece and what's closer than almost instant access to billions and billions of pages of answers and information we don't know.
Edited by GMX09 on Monday 19th October 22:14
Kermit power said:
Herbie58 said:
Nah - you haven't arrived until you choose to listen to talk radio, not that long after you start to find R
I can't remember ever not finding Radio 1 annoying. They've always played crap music.
The change happened to me about a year ago. I listened to it every morning, and gradually Chris Moyles started to irritate me more and more to the point now that I get wound up at my hard earned cash paying licence fees for that drivel. I can't remember ever not finding Radio 1 annoying. They've always played crap music.
Kermit power said:
I was listening to Radio 4 this afternoon. They were talking yet again about how "the young" have different attitudes to technology, can't live without the internet, use it as their first port of call for information, surf on smartphones etc, etc... Lots of waffle about how parents don't understand their teenagers' approach to technology.
Thing is, just when are they going to get over the notion that having technology enmeshed into your life is the preserve of "the young"? I'm 39, and the programme wasn't describing anything which isn't a perfectly normal part of my everyday life. The internet tends to be my first port of call for information, and without it and a mobile, I'd be utterly screwed.
OK, I'm not the parent of teenagers, but I will be in 6 years from now, and I really can't believe that people 6-10 years older than me are all luddites. Certainly those I know aren't. On the one hand, I do work in the IT industry, but on the other, I'm not a techie.
Is there really still that big a gap? People in their 60s OK, but surely those in their 40s are by and large as technologically aware as teenagers?
This ^^^^Thing is, just when are they going to get over the notion that having technology enmeshed into your life is the preserve of "the young"? I'm 39, and the programme wasn't describing anything which isn't a perfectly normal part of my everyday life. The internet tends to be my first port of call for information, and without it and a mobile, I'd be utterly screwed.
OK, I'm not the parent of teenagers, but I will be in 6 years from now, and I really can't believe that people 6-10 years older than me are all luddites. Certainly those I know aren't. On the one hand, I do work in the IT industry, but on the other, I'm not a techie.
Is there really still that big a gap? People in their 60s OK, but surely those in their 40s are by and large as technologically aware as teenagers?
I could have written this. And nearly did. Only I'm 34, and am not in the IT industry ...
Thanks Kermit. You saved me the effort.
Oli.
Astacus said:
48 here and I agree.
especially the bit about Radio 1 being annoying
I realised Radio 1 was annoying (and sespecially the bit about Radio 1 being annoying
Edited by Astacus on Monday 19th October 23:11
t and sychophantic and crap and patronising) when I was 20, it's not the preserve of the old to realise this.Anyway don't replace it with Radio 2, Radio 4 or Talk radio, Planet Rock is what you need
Kermit power said:
Herbie58 said:
Nah - you haven't arrived until you choose to listen to talk radio, not that long after you start to find Radio 1 annoying.
I can't remember ever not finding Radio 1 annoying. They've always played crap music.I've listen to radio 2 and 4 for years. It's when you go out (or to a dinner party) and hear yourself say. "I heard an interesting piece on R4 the other day" and everyone sits nodding and saying yes, yes that you know you are old. Or go to really boring parties.
I was taking tech in the office today started on AV amps then moved on to PS3 and gaming. The office junior was amazed we (35-40ish) blokes were intersted in or played games. Since before you were born sonny.
I think this is the tech gap, the young don't realise we oldies know about tech.
I was taking tech in the office today started on AV amps then moved on to PS3 and gaming. The office junior was amazed we (35-40ish) blokes were intersted in or played games. Since before you were born sonny.
I think this is the tech gap, the young don't realise we oldies know about tech.
I am 25 and I listen to Radio 4.
Radio 1 is full of attention wes who play crap music.
Radio 2 has/had Wogan, Vine, Wright. Therefore is not programmed into my car radio.
Radio 3 I have to be in the mood for and the music has to fit my mood.
Radio 4 is just right most of the time. Friday nights especially.
I use modern technology, but that is expected due to my age I suppose. That said, my 82 year old Grandpa is quite capable of using the internet and looking at videos on Youtube.
I don't think you can tar everyone with the same brush.
Radio 1 is full of attention w
es who play crap music.Radio 2 has/had Wogan, Vine, Wright. Therefore is not programmed into my car radio.
Radio 3 I have to be in the mood for and the music has to fit my mood.
Radio 4 is just right most of the time. Friday nights especially.
I use modern technology, but that is expected due to my age I suppose. That said, my 82 year old Grandpa is quite capable of using the internet and looking at videos on Youtube.
I don't think you can tar everyone with the same brush.
I'm 24 and in "the business" (IT), so I'm quite up to pace (having a server at home with several virtual machines, 3 computers for 2 people, Xbox, Smartphone, Mediacenters on both TV's,... so the lot).
My parents (passed 50) can't seem to work out the digital reciever on the TV. Two machines just to watch TV is just a tad too complicated.
And that seems to be my general perception too. The guys in their 50's in IT are a bit up to pace, but wouldn't be able to use any of the "smart" functionality on their blackberries.
Nothing against them, it's just the general perception I get.
(Oh and to most, "internet fora" are just two exotic words next to eachother)
My parents (passed 50) can't seem to work out the digital reciever on the TV. Two machines just to watch TV is just a tad too complicated.
And that seems to be my general perception too. The guys in their 50's in IT are a bit up to pace, but wouldn't be able to use any of the "smart" functionality on their blackberries.
Nothing against them, it's just the general perception I get.
(Oh and to most, "internet fora" are just two exotic words next to eachother)
My Dad died aged 79. He lost his marbles in his last couple of years but at age 75 he could operate a Windows computer, get email, browse the web for information and so on. Mum old Mum is 81 and can do the same.
The Silver Surfers need more help than we techies but I've seen teenagers who struggle with tech because they're interested in the arts and computers are things for geeks to make work for them.
(Lord, the arrogance of the young!)
I'm 44. I've worked in IT since I was 18. My house is filled with computers. I have everything from a smartphone to servers for every job conceivable...and the 'net is how I do everything. In fact I have to be reminded, sometimes, that some jobs actually can be completed more quickly by picking up the phone and calling someone - I'd not think to do that anymore if there's a web-browser I can get to...
Could I manage without all this tech? Yes. But since I have no other skills I'd be unemployable!
The Silver Surfers need more help than we techies but I've seen teenagers who struggle with tech because they're interested in the arts and computers are things for geeks to make work for them.
(Lord, the arrogance of the young!)
I'm 44. I've worked in IT since I was 18. My house is filled with computers. I have everything from a smartphone to servers for every job conceivable...and the 'net is how I do everything. In fact I have to be reminded, sometimes, that some jobs actually can be completed more quickly by picking up the phone and calling someone - I'd not think to do that anymore if there's a web-browser I can get to...
Could I manage without all this tech? Yes. But since I have no other skills I'd be unemployable!
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