Comments on: Net generation comes of age

Professor Larry D. Rosen takes a look at how MySpace and more have shaped the psyche of a new wave of young people.

[chuchucuhi]

yeah I agree

I'm 26, right on the edge of this generation but I've been an avid net user since I was 10. I used to chat on IRC all the time with people I knew in "IRL" and met online. I've worked in a corporate setting since I was 19 and have gone head to head with bosses who have tried to micromanage me thinking I needed that or see me doing three or four different things and call me into their office asking me if I'm really working. There was some friction where I am currently when my boss and their boss left at the same time and the company brought in seasoned management, that first year was rough and a number of people my age and younger left. I finally had a meeting with these new bosses and explained "my generation" to them. After some adjustments they accepted change and our turnover has greatly reduced. I hope others can learn this and not just get frustrated by their younger employees.

[JohnT32]

What about just doing the job for the job's sake?

While I appreciate that the next gen is great with the multitasking and has a different communications style than us Boomers, I think that the job should be the reward.

Throwing praise and spiffs at the completion of every job diminishes real, deserved praise when the worker goes above and beyond.

These are adults and should be treated as such without the need for constant positive re-enforcement.

[biznatch11]

I agree

I'm part of the older part of this "Net" generation and I agree with you. For example, I know lots of kids who all through school got money from their parents for every A they got on their report card. On the other hand, I was raised to want to succeed for my own sake, not just for praise/payment from someone else.

[mhick]

Great idea

You're absolutely right. After all, why should we have to be bribed to do our job with salaries, year-end bonuses, 401k accounts, health insurance, vacation pay, sick days, and other filthy lucre? The job IS the reward!