Tapscott Part 3

So today in class we discussed chapters nine ten and eleven of Tapscott's Grown Up Digital. Chapter nine talked about politicians and chapter ten talked about the Net Geners and volunteering. These have so much in common. In chapter nine we discussed the seven guidelines for government leaders and internet strategy. Tapscott discusses how the government uses the Net Geners as a strategy and embraces the internet. Something we talked about in class was how the politicians use social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Politicians can use Facebook and Twitter to share personal and close information so that the users can feel closer to the politicians. There isn't as much face to face interaction with the politicians so it makes sense that social media is the platform they would use to reach out to people. Fundraising is also something we mentioned in class and how the old style of fundraising has changed within even the past 20 years. So the Net Geners have figured out that politicians effectively use social media to reach out.

Chapter ten talks about the ways Net Geners work effectively for civil society organization. The first thing I personally noticed was that the title sounds condescending. The advice in the list wasn't too far off but the way that Tapscott presented it was a little condescending. Something I did agree with was "let them develop your web strategy". Tapscott talks about how Net Geners can help online and he's not wrong. Online we currently have all of these strategies and sites that we use to help others online. We have websites like Go Fund Me where people can donate and the way that it is set up makes it easy to share and gain more funds. Also the guilt trip is something that was very true. Guilt tripping and bullshitting on the Net Geners does not work.

Chapter eleven he gives advice to Net Geners. Personally I thought that the first piece of advice seemed a little rude. "Go to college". Not every one can afford college without going into super debt. I do get the idea he's going for and I understand that the idea and capability of learning is more important so school is a great idea. I think the be patient at work tip is great because some things take time. Learning doesn't happen overnight and it could take time. Overall his advice is sound and reasonable and a bit ahead of its time. I don't remember when this was published but I do have a feeling that his advice is helpful and will be passed on to the next generation and still be relevant. Especially the last three pieces of advice. Don't discount experience, aspire to live "a principled life of consequence" and don't give up. Those last three tips are great and are the pieces of advice that you pass on to friends, kids and the next generation.