Technology on Generations and Communities: PEW Research Reports

The Pew Research Center is a "fact tank" that collects information on American attitudes and trends.  PEW Internet focuses on the effects of information technology and the internet in shaping society and behaviors in America.

The following reports explain the use of technology by different generations of Americans and a variety of community and civic organizations:

Generations and Their Gadgets (PEW Research Center)
by Kathryn Zickuhr, Feb. 3, 2011

The difference in technology use among generations is directed primarily in the degree to which various functions are used.  While more Americans own and use the same tools, the Milennials both own more devices and take advantages of the capabilities than older generations.  For example, cell phone use is widespread, but while basic functions like making calls and taking pictures is common for all users, younger users take advantage of advanced internet and messaging features.  The same trend occurs with most other gadgets as well.

It is obvious that older users will be less likely to use modern features of technology; however, this can have an impact on the involvement of older Americans in civic life and community organizations.  While the baby boomers are the fastest growing Facebook users, society still needs to be concerned about maintaining ties with the older boomers, the silent generation and beyond.  The tools for social engagement have changed, but not everyone is able to keep up.

Thus, this report presents challenges for those interested in community development among various generations and populations that lack the social networking and technological skills of the younger generations.


The Social Side of the Internet (PEW Research Center) 
Lee Rainie, Kristen Purcell, Aaron Smith, Jan. 18, 2011

According to the response by 27 different organizations, more Americans are involved in volunteer and community groups, and more internet users than non-internet users participate in these organizations.  The internet and the use of technology has allowed for greater involvement in civic, religious, and social activities.  Respondents reported that the internet has allowed them to connect with others, reach out into the community, become informed of important issues, impact society, raise funds for their organizations, and plan and implement activities.

For smaller organizations and groups, the internet has provided a tool for outreach and growth.  Social networks and tools like Twitter have allowed these groups to be more vocal about their missions and has provided opportunities for individuals to stay connected.

As someone who was dismayed by Robert Putman's description of more Americans "bowling alone," that is refraining from community involvement, I believed technology would increase this retreat from participation in society.  However, this report describes how technology may actually help to engage Americans in community life once again.

If You Tweet Them, They Will Come

Working with students in my job, I see the tremendous need for posting updates and utilizing social networks, especially through Facebook.  Most of my employees and volunteers don't seem to use Twitter, but I am constantly being presented with this tool as an option by my professors and other professionals who post comments quite frequently.  My question, as supervisor for several groups of students whether I should take advantage of the tools they already use or introduce them to new forms of technology.  Already I have tried new applications, including Doodle for scheduling and GoogleDocs for file sharing and forms.  But how much more can they handle?  And what would be most useful for mobilizing and updating my staff and volunteers?


I stumbled across an article discussing five tools to mobilize volunteers for nonprofit organizations.  With plans of working as a nonprofit manager, I found this piece a good reminder of how to use technology in the workplace.  I had never before heard of Ning, which is an online tool for creating your own social network or online community.  At this stage in the game, GoogleMaps won't be terribly useful for my work because our student activities tend to be hosted on campus, but I see how this would be helpful to point to event venues sponsored by nonprofits. The article continued to present the usefulness of Twitter, which I still hope to see used more for my current and future professional needs.  The other two suggested tools, Facebook and blogs, are tools that I currently use, and therefore the article reinforced what I already put into practice.  Nevertheless, I am interested in seeing how some of these other tool would work in a nonprofit organization, where the need for volunteers and public support could be addressed using these forms of technology. 

"Five Ways Social Media Connects Nonprofits to Volunteers" from Yahoo Associated Content http://tinyurl.com/4fm9pl4

Gotta Love It!

I must say, that while I'm pretty savvy when it comes to using technology, I quite often find myself wishing I could escape my constant connectedness to Facebook, Twitter, Google (and all its awe-inspiring functions), and every other tool that work and school require me to maintain.  Just last year for my birthday, my family ever-so kindly gave me a Nook so that I could enter into the "new-age" of book-reading, much to my dismay (I did gripe about it and how I prefer flipping the crisp pages of "real" books).  All of these things are handy, yes, but I really like being old school.  Nevertheless, I realize that if I plan to survive and even succeed through employment and maintain communication with friends, family and co-workers, my attitude has to change and I need to step beyond just knowing how to use all these incredible technological features and actually utilize their functions.

This is not the first blog I've maintained (the first served as an account of my semester-long study abroad adventures and the second continues to report many of my musings).  However, this blog will provide a glimpse of the lessons and techniques I develop this semester in my Monday evening IT class.  I hope to make this as exciting as possible, although my wit may wane at times.  So, welcome to the first post, and hopefully by the end, I'm gonna love keeping up with modern technology in a new and snazzy way!

Cheers,
Diane