Millennial (Y) Generation

The Internet has a power to influence, connect, and mobilize the population. Technological advances are no longer shocking but simply expected.  Today’s society has different expectations for all types of relationships. Relationships are now different because the tools used to maintain peer to peer connections have undergone a vast alteration. The primary focus is on the Internet and, with that, the development of social media. Social media are a web-based technology that transforms how people communicate by enhancing interactive conversations.

 Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, said, 

More than 175 million people use Facebook. If it were a country, it would be the sixth most populated country in the world.

Facebook has the ability to bring people together in a wide variety of ways.  People are now accessing social media from mobile devices and laptops making it a commonality in everyday life. 

Social media platforms as Facebook brings bad habits

Social media is continuing to grow exponentially based on the wants of the people nowadays. Social media users are Generation Y, also referred to as the ‘net generation,’ who have grown up understanding the power of the Internet. Generation Y is unconsciously addicted to social media and as a result they feel constant pressure to be connected with their peers through maintaining a connection with technology such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. The internet and social media are a new kind of fluency, it’s like an acquired language. Social media has their own language, culture norms, and sensibilities. Those who practice the skill are naturally going to adapt to it and will use it in their daily routine.

It’s sad how we the millennial (birth dates from the early 1980s to the early 2000s) are considered to be apathetic, disinterested, tuned out, and selfish. From the Clinton Global Initiative University, 75% of students are likely addicted to social media. It is said that the millennials are regularly drawn to their cell phone. As mobile natives, it is said that we recognize mobile phones as more than just phone calls because it enables texting between friends or even tweeting. Millennials are viewed as social media obsessed. I mean who isn't ? It’s hard not to be in the world we live in today. Everything is related to social media. But, some do live for their “likes” and status updates.

The new digital age has brought about extraordinary developments in technology have altered the world. Yes, technology does play an important role in our day to day lives which is what makes generation Y’s view of the social world different to others. They haven’t lived in a world without it! Generation Y has the need to stay plugged into social media platforms. Young people may describe their phone as a part of themselves and wouldn't be able to function without it. Technology has become integrated in our culture.

How To Do A Technology Detox

Are you on technological overload, and it’s time to do something about it? When you spend more time talking on the phone than you do sleeping, you know it’s time to do a technology detox. Here’s how to ease yourself away from your computer or phone and back into reality:
 

1. First step is to avoid "tech turds". Don’t just dump your smart phone on the table at a restaurant or at home. Keep it in your pocket or purse unless it’s critical to have it out. If you do have it out please inform your companion you will only check it in an emergency. It’s out of respect to do so. 
   
   
2. Second, live your life in the real world. You don’t need to constantly post a status update or tweet or blog about something in your life. Anything you post or tweet, make sure it’s something you’d be willing to say to anyone in face. 
   
   
3. Thirdly, ask yourself if you really need the gadget. There are tons of cool stuff in the technological world and some may even improve your family life, but don’t feel pressured to use every new toy that comes out.
   
   
4. Fourth, sleep device-free. Move your chargers out of the bedroom to another room or to the other side of the room. They need a break from you too.
   
   
5. Fifth step is to decide between people or technology. Work towards choosing to spend time with your family freinds over being plugged in your devices. Yes, there are times that it may be difficult to choose between your smart phone or laptop and paying attention to your child or loved one or friend. Do your best to use your device more on your own time rather during the time you share with loved ones.
   
   
6. Sixth step, structure your e-day. Arrange a time that you will dedicate checking your e-mails, reading texts and following-up. When you’re ready to un-plug in the evening, do it without reservation and focus on the here and now.
   
   
7. Seventh step is to make plans and set goals. Chances are that you will really need something to keep pushing you towards technology independence. Just as dieting, you need to plan and keep in mind the smart criteria  for goal setting: specific, measureable, accurate, realistic, and timely. 
   
   
8. Eighth step, draw up a game plan. Ask yourself how will you spend time that has been freed from shutting out technology? Explore other activities that won’t require you to be plugged in. Look into other hobbies that don’t revolve around technology. It’s important to establish healthy habits.
   
   
9. Lastly, believe in the power of choice. Don’t feel robbed from your freedom. It’s hard to resist change but it’s about embracing it.

 

 

Technology has overwhelmed our daily lives to the point of constant distraction. Many of us no longer focus on single tasks or face-to-face conversation without wanting to reach out to the virtual world. We are constantly plugged in! This plan will help you regain control and focus on your life!

Tip: Once you completed the digital detox, return to the detox phase at least once a month to once a week. You can do this as a family too. Use that day as a touchstone to remember what life can be like without technology.

#socialmediaistakingover

A televisions show’s Twitter hashtag or trending topic can make a world of a difference in a show’s presence, especially for a popular show with low ratings that has loyal fans.

If you don’t know Twitter, this is how it works: a trending topic is a word or any group of words put together behind a simple hashtag (#).  Only the ten most tweeted about topics will appear on Twitter's homepage and landing in this spot will create A LOT of attention for the show. 

 You will notice that throughout the day, many topics will move up or down the list depending on current events that continue to occur. It’s amazing how much you can learn about the show without even watching. Like seriously, if I miss my episode of Pretty Little Liars or Catfish I can simply scroll through my timeline on Twitter to catch up. People usually tweet the entire time through the duration of the show. Viewers would tweet about the plot and the climax as it continues to happen. They serve as commentators for the show.

The power of social media NEVER ceases to amaze me day in and day out. Viewers/tweeters have landed shows in the TOP 10 spot. Viewers/tweeters not only serve as a narrator to their fellow followers but also as a passionate promoter of the show. The effect of Twitter leaves other fans curious and eventually tuning in even if it wasn't in their plans to do so. I should know! At times I get frustrated with the million conversations on Twitter and I tune in to find out what the discussion is all about. If not, I’ll be sure to catch a rerun.

During Twitter's early stages, viewers/tweeters would just create a trending topic while watching their favorite shows so their followers would know what they’re talking about. But, now, tweeting about television shows or movies has become second nature to tweeters/viewers. The hashtag movement has become so powerful that even some channels are encouraging viewers to tweet while watching their shows. Channels like ABC, CBS, THE CW, FOX and NBC live-stream their fans tweets during the show and on their website. They even have their own Twitter account so the tweeters can directly mention them through their tweets with a simple (@).

See below for all the television hashtags: #seehowdiscretelytheyplacethem

It’s all about fast information in this generation. The Twitter accounts for television shows have added to the experience with the ability to update fans at all times, anytime with news and information. Just as fast as piece of news is posted to the website/Facebook page, fans can make it part of their tweet. With the power of a tweet fans can be immediately connected with their favorite network and/or television show. Fans show their love with a (#) or (@).   

Twitter has definitely become a new frontier for television shows increasing their audiences and creating anticipation for upcoming episodes or seasons. For instance, True Blood created a hashtag, #waitingsucks as their promotion for their new season premiere. 

#whatdoyouthink?