Mini Generation Gaps
<em>The New York Times</em> has an interesting <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/10/weekinreview/10stone.html?pagewanted=2">article</a> on how the ever-accelerating pace of technological change may be creating a series of mini-generation gaps. In fact, recent studies have shown that 16- to 18-year-olds are able to perform seven tasks, on average, in their free time, like texting, sending instant messages and checking Facebook while sitting in front of the television. People in their early 20s can handle only six tasks, and those in their 30s can perform about five and a half, the research found. The heightened ability to multitask has created concerns that younger generations may not be able to focus in school or in the workplace.
The New York Times has an interesting article on how the ever-accelerating pace of technological change may be creating a series of mini-generation gaps. In fact, recent studies have shown that 16- to 18-year-olds are able to perform seven tasks, on average, in their free time, like texting, sending instant messages and checking Facebook while sitting in front of the television. People in their early 20s can handle only six tasks, and those in their 30s can perform about five and a half, the research found. The heightened ability to multitask has created concerns that younger generations may not be able to focus in school or in the workplace.
We've already heard the concerns among many human resource leaders about current generation gaps in the federal workforce, particularly when it comes to technology. But as the digital divide becomes more prominent between workers who are just a few years apart in age, what does this mean for the future federal workforce as well as the overall definition of work?
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