A portrait of “Generation Next”: How Young People view their Lives, Futures, and Politics, a written report by Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. This is an inside view of today’s young adults, who have evolved in a dramatized event driven, fast paced technology world. A world that has labeled this group of adults “Generation Next”. A new generation like no other, born with much technology. Generation Next uses such technology as personal computers, internet, and cell phones in an always changing environment. The Generation Next Essay is a persuasive and convincing report.
As a reader I was persuaded early on with supporting evidence clearly defining Generation Next. “For analysis purposes, Generation Next includes these Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 years old” (Pew Research 61). I can now identify who this new generation of young adults are with supporting evidence. In years to come Generation Next, can reshape the Political scene by likely voting with the Democratic Party. For many years young adults have been viewed in a negative way by what Seniors and Baby Boomers have thought and assumed.
I can appreciate Generation Nexter’s view of themselves. “More than two-thirds see their generation as unique and distinct…a majority says that “getting rich” is the main goal of most people in their age group” (Pew Research 60). This report is detailed and objective because it allow the reader to meet Generation Next. Some facts about Gen. Nexters, are they use technology and internet, texting and instant messaging and email. Today’s technology tools are used by Gen. Nexters to connect with and stay connected to new people, family, and friends.
This “Look at Me” generation has embraced new technology with social networking sites like Face Book, My Space, and Year Book, a way to network and post personal profiles with intimate information and pictures. “ Eight-in-ten also acknowledge that these tools make people lazier” (Pew Research 61). Gen. Nexters are close to their parents one fact is finances parents continue to help their children , most likely have tatoos and piercing in places unheard of, less likely to criticize government regulations of business, supportive of privatization of the Social Security System.
Generation Next feel removed from the political process. “Only about four-in-ten agree with this statement: “Its my duty as a citizen to always vote. ” (Pew Research 62). Seniors and Baby Boomers now have a better view of Generation Next based on facts and not opinions and assumptions. Generations in the 1980’s were more spiritual, their faith was a large part of who they were and helped make important life decisions. I find it very interesting that “One-in-five members of Generation Next say they have no religious affiliation or are atheist or agnostic…” (Pew Research 61).
Only 4% of Generation Nexters believe becoming more spiritual is an important life goal. Another intersting fact about Generation Next is that about half agree the continiously growing number of immigrates to the United States is a way to strenghten our country. They are also more freer to support gay marriage and more supportive of interacial dating. The right in your face views of Generation Next helps you realize it’s a changing world and the leaders of tomorrow will probably look like and speak for the people like never before.
Compared with 20 years ago young adults today have 84% better educational opportunities, 72% access to higher paying job, 75% have more casual sex, 69% binge drink more, 49% vote less, and 52% believe the impact of immigration strengthens the nation. Its amazing how in life this 18 – 25 age of young people can cause a small amount of fear amongst the Seniors and Baby Boomers, but if people stop and remember and looking back there was some sort of issue surrounding them at this age and people were labeled different too. I don’t believe there are any weak areas in this article about Generation Next.
In the beginning the article stated detailed facts with supporting evidence. I was led to have a better and more understanding view of Generation Next. I chose this article because like most parents with children aged 18 – 25, I assumed a lot about Generation Next. I also wanted to see if there were any differences when I was this age in how I viewed the world. Every Generation no matter the label (Baby Boomers, X, Next etc. ) all have grown and contributed to our nation in a way we can be proud. I can now better relate and be more supportive to Generation Next the leaders of tomorrow.
