Bill Hanifin
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12 January 2009
21:58
Boomers are often guilty of criticizing members of Generation Y for spending all of their time in front of their PC’s playing online games or watching videos on YouTube. If these are the addictions of Gen Y, then sports on TV must be the Boomers’ equivalent. The television and cable networks have crafted a schedule where seasons and championships blend into a 365 day couch-riding festival. The point is, no one is perfect, and we should spend more time celebrating our differences.
One day, members of the Millennial Generation will be driving our economy both in terms of production and consumption. Thinking ahead, here are a few takes on what life will be like when Millennials Rule the World:
- Will voice mail become a quaint tool of the past? Maybe, because Gen Y’ers seem to live by their Caller ID and missed-call logs.
- Will gym memberships be replaced by the latest Wii applications? Maybe, because there are lots of fun calories to be burned jumping around with that appliance in your hand.
- Will recording artists be paid via donations just like we support open source software today? Possibly, as they may have few alternatives.
- Will racism finally become obsolete in our society? Hopefully, as the Millennial generation is the most ethnically diverse in history.
- Will on/off buttons on electronic appliances become obsolete? Possibly, since Gen Y rarely turns off its PC’s and mobile phones.
- Will banks follow the example of airport check-in counters and nearly replace humans with advanced ATM’s? Maybe, as Gen Y likes to do it themselves.
- Will Katie Couric and her peers remain employable as news anchors? Not sure, as few Millennials watch the network evening news.
- Will there be a spiritual awakening in the land? Possibly, as Millennials are seeking more than just money and power.
- Will marketing and advertising be forced to seek a new paradigm? Could be, as Millennials have more information at their finger-tips than any previous generation and are seeking authenticity and transparency.
- Will newspapers cease to exist? Possibly, as few Millennials know where to find the Sports page, or any other section for that matter.
- Will mankind have to find a new material to line its bird cages? (Yes, please refer to previous question).
- Will financial advisors have to re-invent themselves? Yes, because Millennials will earn more and more quickly than their parents, but are in need of financial mentors to preserve their future wealth.
