National Survey Finds That the Hip-Hop Generation Embraces Internet Technology and New Media Philadelphia, PA (BlackNews.com) - Despite previous assertions, the overwhelming majority of low-income urban teens are accessing the Internet, buying the latest cell phones and engaging in online social networking. A national survey of more than 1,500 African American and Hispanic teens and young adults, revealed that this group is highly-connected, tech savvy and brand loyal. MEE (Motivational Educational Entertainment) Productions Inc. uncovered these findings during its latest in a series of national surveys focused on the lifestyle trends, behaviors and attitudes of urban youth.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL REPORT. Better than two-in-five (42%) of the current survey participants reported accessing the Internet daily; and of those who do, 68% are spending at least two hours a day online. Quote: "Personal communication and entertainment tend to be the most prevalent reasons why urban youth access the Internet. Youth mentioned using the Internet for e-mail (50%), social networking (31%), downloading music (30%) and instant messaging (29%). In the 2002 study, MEE found that social networking was done primarily through chat rooms, and only 10% of youth reported engaging in that activity. Six years ago, the most popular uses of the Internet by Black youth were e-mail (22%), searching the Web (13%), school work (12%) and games (11%). In 2008, however, visiting social networking sites such as MySpace or Facebook is the second most common online activity among youth."
I am concerned that the "ME Generation" is spending its time engaged in activities via the Internet that are "ancillary" and not "essential". I visit many social networks to keep abreast of what is going on. I find that most participants are "lurkers" that watch and don't participate. Many of those who do, cannot construct intelligent thoughts in writing beyond superficial chatter.
Of course, what is "essential" to one may be "ancillary" to another. This social network is designed for "socially conscious African Americans." For me, that means advancing socially (which means economically, professonally, and politically). While our young people are spending their time being entertained, our peers in the mainstream are leading the charge to advance socially.
Here is an example. During the recent campaign, it is documented that 95% of African Americans voted for Barack Obama. I traveled around the country participating in political events, and in virtually every case, the leaders of the community organization efforts were young white supporters. They were the ones who managed the data collection, uploading and analyzing results, producing reports for telephone banks and door knocking campaigns. I asked a few of them what they were going to do after the campaign, and learned that they were returning to jobs as analysts, and consultants, and some were seeking to leverage their involvement for entry into government service -- patronage jobs.
That is exploiting Facebook and YouTube for personal, political, and business advantage. Are most of these young Blacks surveyed doing that? Or are we overdosing on music downloads and the latest version of the "Single Girl" knockoff?
This report asks the question: Is the Digital Divide a Myth? Perhaps the data is saying "yes." But the reason for closing the digital divide is to "convert data to information for competitive advantage." Where is our competitive advantage?
Roger Madison
www.izania.com
Posted By: Roger E Madison Jr
Monday, February 16th 2009 at 1:20AM
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