In a Handbasket

Now, I'm not one who thinks young people are any different now than they were back in the day when I was a lad and dinosaurs roamed the earth. Basically, I think they're about the same, and as someone who had worked with young people in one capacity or another for about 43 years, and loves them as a group, I'm here to say that they're a lot brighter than we ever were and are able to do things we never even thought of. You know what I mean. Still, there are some things about them I just don't understand.

Cisco, the software/whatever company and maker of the router than makes this blog possible (or was that about three routers back? I can't keep up) did a survey of nearly three thousand college students and young professionals. Here is a summary of their findings, taken from the "Cisco Connected World Technology Report." (To read the complete report, which is impressive in its methodolgy and findings, go to  http://www.cisco.com/en/US/netsol/ns1120/index.html .)

The survey focused on two basic questions:  Is the Internet a fundamental human necessity? and Is a workplace with flexible mobility policies as valuable as salary?

 The study revealed that one in three college students and young professionals consider the Internet to be as important as air, water, food, and shelter.

 In some cases, the respondents call it more essential than owning a car, dating, and going to parties. Also, one in three would prioritize social media freedom, device flexibility, and work mobility over salary in accepting a job offer.

 Study Highlights:

• Many respondents cite a mobile device as “the most important technology” in their lives
• Seven of 10 employees have “friended” their managers and coworkers on Facebook
• Two of five students have not bought a physical book (except textbooks) in two years
• Most respondents have a Facebook account and check it at least once a day
• Half would rather lose their wallet or purse than their smartphone or mobile device.
• More than two of five would accept a lower-paying job that had more flexibility with regard to device choice, social media access, and mobility than a higher-paying job with less flexibility.
• At least one in four said the absence of remote access would influence their job decisions, such as leaving companies sooner rather than later, slacking off, or declining job offers outright.
• Three out of 10 feel that once they begin working, it will be their right- more than a privilege -to be able to work remotely with a flexible schedule.

You'll note, perhaps, that I didn't comment much on these findings. that's because they leave me speechless. I just wonder what effect all this will have on society as we know it in 50 years or so. Something to think about, anyhow. Have a good weekend. I plan to get outside, work on my fence, take a walk, talk to some people, do some reading, fix some meals, go to rehearsals, got to church and watch the Redskins lose. Again. Take care.