Their generation is the first to grow up in the digital age. And at 81.1 million strong 30 percent of the U.S. population they ve already eclipsed yesterday s trendsetters, the 77.2 million Baby Boomers who make up 29 percent of the U.S. population. For most N-geners, the Internet is the communications medium of choice. Just as Baby Boomers grew up with television, the Net generation is growing up with the Internet. The Net is in their homes, in their schools and, with the advent of wireless communications devices, even on their belts or in their pockets.
Most young people are at home in cyberspace.
If they have questions, cyberspace is where they turn for answers. The Rise of the Internet Generation, children are more comfortable, knowledgeable and literate than their parents about an innovation central to society. The Net is immediately interactive. Unlike television, radio or print media, the Internet empowers users to interact, and even greatly influence, the creators of content and products of this new medium. Moreover, N-geners can interact in real time via email, message boards, chat rooms or instant messaging.