Another exciting day at work came to an end, and as I got ready to
head home, my smart watch beeped and informed me that it would start
to rain in another 5 minutes.
Taking the cue, I pulled my car out of the parking and headed home.
The gloomy weather was pulling me down. I connected my phone to my car
and asked my virtual buddy to put up my favorite starry night view on
my digital car roof. As it started to pour outside, my car got lit up
by the brightness of Milky Way now shinning over me.
My virtual buddy told me that all the booking for tomorrowās travel
has been taken care of. It has even emailed me the list of āwhat to
packā based on the weather forecast. Now all I have to do was pack and
show up at the airport with wife and passport, in the exact order of
priority.
Our journey next day, from the airport to the hotel, was a smooth
ride. Both airline and hotel had full details our preferences and
travel history, we even got our favorite room at the hotel. Next day
at 5 am, when our virtual concierge beeped and told us our ride is
here, we both were all geared up for our sunrise trek.
As we climbed the mountain peak, the view took our breath away. The
sleepy city lay hidden beneath the morning mist and golden rays of the
sun had started to paint the sky. The view left us awe struck, as it
had done 25 years ago, when we came here for our honeymoon.
We sat down on our favorite spot and opened the bag hotel had given us
as our take away breakfast. In it was packed our favorite breakfast,
along with the note āHappy 25th Anniversaryā.
1310 friends on Facebook
330 followers on Twitter
189 WhatsApp contacts
Yet, only one she knew she could call at 2.30am knowing she would
accompany her to the hospital.
Gen C ā the YouTube generation and a powerful new force in consumer
culture. The age agnostic generation which is more of an attitude and
mindset and at some level we are all part of. Members of this Gen C
mindset care deeply about creation, curation, connection and community
but the question I ask is - are we completely aware that the constant
need to be connected and the dependency on āsocial oxygenā in a
virtual community is also giving rise to a darker side?
My generation, I believe is unique in many ways. My generation has had
the opportunity to witness the transition from a non-digital to a
digital era. When I went away to study at the age of 17, my contact
with my parents was via weekly phone calls shouting down the bad
connection accompanied by long letters exchanged over snail mail.
Today I can simply Facetime them from wherever I am. Even though I
appreciate the convenience of Facetime, I miss those long letters
which I could read and re-read again snuggled up in my blanket ā you
just simply canāt āre-readā a Facetime call. I miss how my parents
shared writing space in that blue aerogramme and how crosses were
placed indicating kisses in every given spare space.
In this new world of Gen C, where the digital age has already changed
the way we shop, work and play, what effect is it having on our
humanness? Is our identity totally getting dependent on other peopleās
validation of us? I see picture collages posted on Facebook expressing
how deeply one cares for that special one, yet I donāt see the same
things said when looking deeply into the same loved oneās eyes. And
thatās when I wonder ā is it really about expression of true feelings
or is it our new need for the number of ālikesā we get?
Gen C expects fast, reliable, constant connectivity. Without a doubt,
this is making is less patient in other areas too and to a certain
degree less empathetic with all the superficial information we are
consuming. New phobias are being developed ā the average teenager is
prone to anxiety about being out of the loop when away from their
device. I recently read in an article that even the way we die is
changing. āDigital estate handlingā is a booming business. Companies
offer services where a clientās password to their social media
accounts, emails etc are stored securely and are shared with their
designated loved ones once they die. Services on offer also include
customized online graves where loved ones and mourners can add
e-tributes.
The Gen C generation is certainly learning to socialize differently.
Research shows that we prefer to text rather than talk in person
because it is less awkward and is deemed as less risky. Essential
skills like reading facial expressions or navigating social situations
could soon become a thing of the past with the array of emojis paving
the way when it comes to expressing feelings.
No, I am not anti Gen C. I am embracing the technological advances it
is offering me and the convenience at hand in different aspects of my
life. I am just saddened by the slow disappearance of family dinner
time and the steep rise in device oriented communication at the dinner
table. I belong to Gen C because I am guilty of this too.
GenC: Realize That Loneliness is a Feeling, Not a Fact
I had a terrible nightmare yesterday. Everything was fine, but then, IĀ began to feel odd ā not from any pain, but from isolation. I openedĀ WhatsApp and started sending out texts to my friends. A few of themĀ responded, mostly in a superficial manner. Everyone, it seemed, wasĀ busy, but I was satisfied ā at least they knew I was alive andĀ thinking about them.
But then, the restlessness came back. I logged in to Facebook, which IĀ always did, and left friendly, positive comments on posts of currentĀ news and funny pictures. I waited for replies, but didnāt get anyĀ right away ā a few likes, but nothing substantial.
Next, I went on to Facebook chat, but I clicked off quickly ā I forgotĀ I still had a few exes as friends, and the last thing I wanted was aĀ real-time conversation with them. So, I hopped on to MSN messenger,Ā but itās an abandoned town. Who uses MSN chats anymore? So I went offĀ to Skype ā but thatās just a handful of online friends there, mostlyĀ use it for official purpose. It is not the fun faux-cocktail party itĀ used to be.
Iām dissatisfied. Iām irritated. No one is around to talk to me, and I
feelā¦ lonely.
Oh wait, that wasnāt a dream. This technological separation is todayās reality.
I have plenty of friends on Facebook and WhatsApp and closeĀ relationships with family and loved ones, but the storm of chats,Ā likes and tweets donāt do much to satisfy that sadness of loneliness.Ā In fact, it makes me feel just a bit more depressed.
Whatās the use of technology if I reach out and nobody is there?Ā Despite a growth of technology that promises to connect us, theĀ feeling of loneliness from modern life continues to sharpen.
When we communicate online, whether itās on Facebook or through textĀ or email, whatās missing? What specific elements do we miss out onĀ when compared to face-to-face communication? It seems obvious that weĀ tend to forget about the importance of body language, voiceĀ inflection, and the simple act of looking someone in the eye during aĀ conversation. When weāre sitting across a table with them we give themĀ our āundividedā attention, which can never be felt in a text messageĀ or an email. Technologies such as Skype provide us with the screenĀ image of the person to whom weāre talking. But the eye contact is notĀ as credible as it is in person.
Slowly the Internet and mobile technology seems to be destroying theĀ meaningfulness of interactions we have with others, disconnecting usĀ from the world around us, and leading to a sense of isolation. InsteadĀ of spending time in person with friends, we just call, text or instantĀ message them. It may seem simpler, but we finally end up seeing ourĀ friends face to face a lot less. Hundreds of text messages can neverĀ equal to an hour spent chatting with a friend over a cup of coffee. AĀ smiley-face emoticon is adorable, but it could never replace the largeĀ grin and twinkling eyes of the best friends. Face time is important,Ā people. We need to see each other.
This doesnāt just apply to our friends; it applies to the world aroundĀ us. Face-to-face interaction is provides us with some important senseĀ of well-being, whether itās with friends or friendly āMay I help youāĀ person in the bank. Thereās something valuable about talking withĀ someone face to face. This is significant for friends, partners,Ā potential employers, and other recurring people that make up ourĀ everyday world.
It seems we have more extended connections than ever in this digitalĀ world, which can be great for networking, if itās used right. The sadĀ fact of the matter is that most of us donāt. Itās too hard to keep upĀ with thousands of friends. At a point, do we even remember theirĀ names? We need to understand the meaning of quality in ourĀ connections, not sheer quantity.Ā
So what are we doing with thousands of friends on the Internet? WhyĀ are we messaging all the time? Seems like a big waste of time. LetāsĀ spend more time together with our friends. Letās make theĀ relationships that count last, and not rely on technology to do theĀ job for us.
The Reluctant What is Digital? Digital is intimidating. The word conjures up technical and overly complicated programs, codes and lingo that run computers and databases. Digital belongs in publishing, marketing and enterprise. I am not so much interested in how things work as long as it works and it works well. In May this year, our family went on our annual vacation. Iceland is spectacular. Everything is 100 times better in Iceland than anywhere else. We took a week long road trip and each day we saw magnificent waterfalls, bubbling volcanic craters, glaciers and glacier lagoons. In a country where it is cold all the time, there are many swimming pools. Pools of natural hot springs from volcanic sources. Have you heard of the Blue Lagoon? It was awesome! The valleys were unbelievable, straight out of Jurassic Park. Many times we drove down the 2 lane highway, alone for miles. What an unbelievable experience and I wanted to capture every minute, every turn on the road, the mighty and thunderous sound of the waterfalls, the sound of silence as we gaze at the thousand year old glacier right in front of us. Pictures were just not enough. I shot videos and shared them, lots of them in Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter. We kept in touch with family through Viber and it felt as though they too were travelling with us. On Facebook we received a lot of ālikesā on our posts and found out that people looked forward to our daily postings. Not only did we received ālikesā but people commented on our posts, asked questions and gave information where to go and what to do nearby. In Instagram, t. Bloggers Iāve never met started following my posts and I in turn started following them. It was so powerful and empowering that I was able to reach an audience that would not have been possible without these apps. My posts generated curiosity and conversation with people Iāve never met. It also put the spotlight on the little less known places in Iceland. My postings became longer and more detailed as I went along. While it was still a private family vacation, I wanted the following and visibility. I enhanced my posts with apps to filter my pictures, to blur the occasional photo bomber and to spice things up, I shot captivating looping mini videos (āBoomerangā) of the family having fun. This sure beats the old family album I have in my bookcase. I am back home now and I find myself daydreaming of Iceland. I have over a thousand pictures and hours of videos stored in my computer. Looking back, I have created so much content that it will not have been possible without digital. So let me revisit digital and what it means. Oh yeah, I am digital and by: Marissa Vargas
ā¦ using cloud-based technology to monitor and de-risk my teenagersā
use of WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, as well as
open dialog with them, to help them learn how to deal with andĀ properly leverage the power of C, in order to benefit from theĀ positives and reduce the negatives.
As a kid, I dreamt a lot, and I dreamt about a lot of things. I wanted
to be a lot of things. I wanted to be a soldier, fighting the evil
against the country. Genetics failed me, for I grew up skinny and
short. I also wanted to be a doctor, saving lives, but my hands
trembled when I saw blood. Growing up, I saw a lot of superhero
movies, and I wanted a lot of super powers for myself. I am sure you
must have wanted them too. I wanted to be present at two distant
points in the world, and at the same time. I wanted a power to know a
person just by looking at them. I wanted a lot of things, all
fantasies. My parents called it dreams or fantasies, I now call them
goals. Not my goals, but the goals of Gen C. And why do I call them
goals? Because weāre going to realize them.Ā
We are going to transformĀ ourselves into super humans. Sounds too good to be true?Ā
So wasĀ flying before Wright brothers, and telecommunication before GrahamĀ bell. It is just a matter of time when weāll be able to cross theĀ barriers and become what we desire. Letās talk about how we are goingĀ to achieve this.Ā
Now, a long way back, armies consisted of people whoĀ could ride horses, swing swords and shoot arrows. Then BulletsĀ arrived, bombs came and so came the missiles. The scenario changedĀ with the introduction of Tanks, and Fighter jets, and now we haveĀ nuclear missiles. Now a wonderful new technology is marking its placeĀ in the world of defense technologies ā Robotics. Drones is one of thefinest gifts of Robotics to humans. And how does it change theĀ picture? It saves precious human lives. It is a matter of time beforeĀ drones enable the soldiers guarding the borders of the country inĀ burning deserts and the freezing mountains, to do so from aĀ comfortable room, guiding a drone and surveilling the area.Ā
There willĀ be robots fighting the wars (hopefully there will be none), and humanĀ lives will be spared. Medical profession will change too, and changeĀ in a very good way. We already have fitness devices strapped to ourĀ hands, continuously monitoring our bodies and guiding us to a healthyĀ future. Ever wonder how it does so? The answer is yet anotherĀ scientific gift ā Sensors. The sensors monitor in which direction youĀ travelled, how high did you climb, measure your pulse and so on. ButĀ this is what medical profession can do today, letās talk aboutĀ possibilities that follow.Ā
If we can make devices that can monitor theĀ human body, we can also make devices that can transform it. Consider aĀ person who has had a fatal accident, and damaged the spinal cord, soĀ much that he cannot move his legs. Can we help him walk again? TheĀ answer is yes. We are on our way to create technologies using sensors,Ā and small robots, that we can recover a person. āPrevention is betterĀ than cureā, so while we are on our way to cure people who hadĀ accidents, why not prevent it altogether.Ā
Driverless driving isĀ already in place, and in a given time, it will be the only mode ofĀ driving. Even for manual driving, we already have parking sensors in
place. We can develop stronger and quicker sensors, and deviseĀ algorithms to work while weāre driving, and save our lives. HumanĀ reach has always exceeded his grasp, but driving is one area where itĀ should not be applied. So, Gen C is on its way to help me realize myĀ dreams. I can become a soldier, or a doctor, defeating the genetics.Ā Letās talk about superpowers, and how Gen C will help me realize them.Ā Teleportation ā While I may not actually be able to physicallyĀ teleport, can I combine some technologies and enable myself to
Teleport? Yes, I can.Ā
We have virtual reality, we have robots, we haveĀ IoT, and we have sensors. Consider yourself strapped to a lot ofĀ sensory devices, wearing a VR helmet, controlling a robot via IoT, andĀ feeling the surroundings using the sensors in place. MissionĀ accomplished. How about superhuman strength ā No need to think, designĀ yourself an Iron man suit. But can I have telepathy? The answer is
not yes, not at least right now, but is it a dream now? No, we haveĀ the capability to accomplish it. I can go on and on, but I guess IĀ have made my point.Ā
The question for Gen C is not what can we do, itĀ is what we can dream, because we can, and we will make them true.Ā
Before I say good bye, I would like to write a short para on the greatĀ misconception people have regarding technology ā Many people believe,Ā that with the advent of robots, humans will become lazier, andĀ ultimately, it would lead to a world as portrayed in the movie Wall-E.Ā The question that they ask is, if robots will be doing all things for
us? What will we do? The answer is simple, we will do what we are
doing today, and we will be shaping the Future.Ā
Be it Gen X, Gen Y,Ā Gen Z or Gen C, it is in the Gen-etics of humans to excel. We willĀ unravel greater mysteries, accomplish more and dream more, so we canĀ make them come true. So, tell me your dreams, and I will help youĀ realize them.
Sunday morning it was. Lazy me. Even when the sun was almost overhead. I was still asleep. Somehow, because of the yelling, I wake up. And the first thing I do is, find my phone! What I see is dead battery. I hurriedly find my charger and run to plug in. And what! No electricity! Horrifying! Isnāt it? How was I going to check my WhatsApp? How would I know who messaged? How would I know what's happening on Instagram and Facebook and Twitter and Snapchat and... How will I plan my Sunday? How will I survive? So many thoughts in a jiffy. And why so? Just because I am 'Connected'! So connected to the social media. So connected to the people online and not to the people around. So connected to my gadgets. To my cellphone my laptop my tablet. An hour passed and two. I had nothing good to do. And I look out through the window. And what do I see? I see the shining sun, the chirping birds, the playing kids, the lush green trees, the blooming flowers, the barking dog. Connected? Are we? We are connected to people and things in ways we never imagined. Social media, gadgets, and wireless technology. Is this being āConnectedā? I donāt think so. It is then that I realize it's time now to disconnect and to connect. So let's not connect to gadgets and connect to people instead! by: Jinal Bafna
In deep sleep, I feel a very soft voice waking me upā¦ a caressing female voice. I feel like waking up, just to know whose voice it isā¦ a force of curiosity Ā far bigger than the inertia of sleep. Resultant is obvious, I slowly open my eyesā¦ after a cursory search of blurry eyes, sensors of my ears lead me to my smart phone. Itās herā¦'Pari'ā¦ my smart concierge app. Itās almost a week, she is with me, but feels like it I have met my āsoftā soul mate! I caress Pari from left to right (over my phone screen) and she understands her job is done for the moment, she signs off with a sweet āHappy Morning dear, Life is Good!ā greeting. But whatās the secret behind a different, softer voice today? The detective inside me is already awake by now. I quiz Pari and she answers āYour Fitbit recorded a restless sleep between 3 to 5 AM and a 10% higher heart rate than average, so did not want to rattle you by harsh alarm. Hope you feel better, dear?ā. Ā I remember this app saving my friends life last month, when it sent a SOS to the designated hospital reporting his erratic heartbeats and dropping blood pressure measured using the connected sphygmomanometer. I respond ā Life as a GenC is good, Pari!āĀ
Time: 9 AMĀ
Who likes to start the day with those 11 AM meetings? But working with South Asia clients comes with such āperksā! I click on the shortcut to repeat my favorite car booking transaction while stepping out of my house compound. Within 45 seconds, a self-driven Mercedes Ā is standing in front of me, the door opens with a greeting āMorning Mr. Manish, My name is Mercy. I will be your car today. Letās get going!ā. It is driving itself at 70 km/ hour, a speed never imagined on Indian city roads couple of years back. I canāt help but appreciate the mutual understanding between the connected carsā¦ āI wish humans had such connectivity and understanding amongst themā! Ā Mercy breaks my reverie by announcing āMr. Karthik will be joining you as a car pool friend at Mundhwa Bridge. He is a 29 year old Java programmer working with Accenture and loves Bollywood music and Tennis.ā True to the announcement, Mr. Karthik steps into the car at the designated stop in sharp 30 seconds. It is a beautiful feel to notice the twinkle in his eyes when I greet him with his first name. Ā We enjoy the rest of the journey chatting over the hot topic of āWhen would Federer retire?ā While getting off at my office junction, I thank Mercy and GenC in my mind for connecting me to a stranger with such an ease.Ā
Time: 11 AMĀ
Itās an important meeting and I can smell the tension in the meeting room. I take a good 360 degree look at the conference room decorated with typical Malaysian art. I start the presentation maintaining the eye contact with key stakeholders without fail. Ā CIO of our client Mr. Aidenās, firm handshake at the end of the meeting tells me that the deal is sealed in my companyās favor. As we sign off, I remove the head mounted display to end the ātelepresence sessionā and come back to the physical reality of our state of the art conference room. I have double satisfaction on my face of clinching the deal without adding to the carbon footprint due to air travel.Ā
Time: 2 PMĀ
I am meeting him after almost 5 years over lunch and of course I am excited. Who does not love to have an army major as a friend? Chivalrous and courageous they are, with so many amazing stories they have to share. Major Durgesh is right in time at the fine dining restaurant greeting me with a big hug and a bigger smile on his face. As the lunch progresses, I enquire about the tough life guarding those Himalayan Crests at frozen temperatures, as he had shared in our last meeting. āWhat are you talking about? Itās a long past dearā¦ā He repliesā¦ āNow a days armed drones guard our Himalaya peaks! We call them āPhantomsā! Army guys are busy manning these Phantoms in AC rooms. And in addition, they send the meteorological Ā data to help predict the climate changes and natural calamities as well!ā. While I am trying hard to grasp this piece of surprise and an ice cream scoop, Pari informs me that I am already overshooting my calorie intake and better I extend my evening tennis session by half an hour!Ā
Time: 7 PMĀ
After this exhausting working day, I am staring at my defeat even before beginning the semifinal match of the coveted corporate tennis tourney. I am just in no mood to fightā¦ my coach Ravi knows it well, but he has a remedy. He mounts the Virtual Reality Boxing game head gear on me and starts level 8 bout with me as an underdogā¦ I am instantly inside the boxing ring with thousands cheering for my opponent and jeering me. I can feel the hot air and the loud noiseā¦ the punching of my opponentā¦a swollen eyeā¦ a testosterone riseā¦ an adrenaline rushā¦ I start pummeling the opponent. In matter of 25 seconds he is downā¦ knocked out! Before I can celebrate, Ravi pulls the plug and removes the VR gear. I am ready for the real life fight waiting ahead on the tennis court with full vigor. I start and end the match with an ace!Ā
Time: 10 PMĀ
Just in a day span, I have experienced the GenC life caring for me, saving a life, reducing the pollution and traffic jams, converting a stranger into a friend, winning a deal and avoiding a costly travel, improving the quality of life of thousands of soldiers and an improved attitude to face lifeās real tests!! And I used to think couple of years back that the GenC life will cut me off from the real worldā¦ Stupid I was!! Just then Pari announces āCall your dad dear, its 2 days and he must be waiting for itā¦Signing off! āĀ
Having recently completed 3 decades of my life, I was no longer to be
associated with the term āyouthā or Gen Y. Thanks to whoever coined
the term āGen Cā it adds a pinch of uber coolness, a feeling of
immortality as it reflects to attitude of being connected and
creation. I recently came across a book āBlinkā ā magnificently
written by the rock star writer Malcolm Gladwell. The soul and context
of the book revolves around the bigger picture and to the idea of
unconscious reactions. There is one particular line from this book
which has stayed long enough in my mind and I feel it also epitomizes
the overall GenC phenomenon in a small sense:
āThere can be as much value in the blink of an eye as in months of
rational analysis.ā
I have always been a ānewspaper personā throughout my life ā sipping
through the pungent coffee from my mother, I, almost always start from
the back pages (Sport columns) and then to the headlines,
international, national news eventually signing off with editorial
section. My father from whom I kind of inherited this habit was more
interested on the markets and business section. The entertainment
section along with crossword and sudoku puzzles were reserved for my
commuting hours on the way to college. The memories are still vivid
when I used to pick up newspaper with excitement to read through the
analysis of a cricket match which happened in the wee hours before the
crack of dawn. Then, reliving those highlights during the discussion
with friends with my own expert comments and snippets from the Harsha
Bhogle, Tony Grieg commentary. Likewise, it was a common thing to have
no newspapers on days just after the national holidays creating a
sense of restlessness and a feeling of incomplete.
However, over the last few years, with things evolving dramatically, I
managed to smoothly adapt to the GenC civilization. Now, sipping
through the equally pungent coffee from my wife (I wonāt get into the
debate of which coffee is better ;)) I go through the various
notifications I received from my apps in my smartphone. (The
notifications we receive from the numerous apps denotes the first part
of the above Gladwell quote) WhatsApp shows me with updates from my
friends and families. BBC Sport helps me with updates from the
exciting match I missed last night along with highlights, expert
analysis and views from the likes of Gary Linekar & Phil McNutty.
Twitter feed gives runtime updates on everything that interests you
viz. markets, news, business, holidays, jobs, etc. I get a small iota
of fascination when I communicate (tweet) to role models whom I admire
a lot. As a GenC, I get to enjoy the important moments of my life like
watching my child gleefully laughing through Skype video call by
sitting in my office.
Sometimes, I do get a nostalgia of reading newspaper and go to a
nearby store to buy one on the way to office. It is no longer a habit
or ritual, but as a GenC I am happy to embrace the evolution and enjoy
the perks of being in a connected world.
In my last blog (http://iamgenc.com/post/144502018345/connected-within) , I discussed about how I belonged to the current Gen C, and why I couldnāt belong anywhere else.
In this blog, I will discuss how Gen C has transformed our lives, and change the way we think. I will try to highlight what impact Gen C has on the way we work, and how is it impacting the society and Environment.
Gen C has made us all connected from within. But how does it impact our lives?
Being connected has extended our reach, both vertically and horizontally. We are able to communicate to a larger audience than we ever could, and are able to reach people whom we idolize. The vertical reach has eased our way in getting our opinions heard and our concerns addressed. Taking an example from India, Gen C has made it possible for people facing problems in foreign countries to contact the Foreign Minister directly and get help via twitter. This has led to rescue of several Indians who get trapped, and are in danger.
Another ministry, the railways is addressing the concerns of
travelers. When was the last time you heard a National minister
sending help to people who have their coach dirty, or require medical
attention?
The horizontal reach has brought opportunities for people to display
their talent on their own. I discussed how online streaming is
replacing multiplexes and televisions slowly. It is also providing
opportunities for talented people to display their talent to a larger
part of the world. There are numerous YouTube Channels today, full of
videos from people who are entertaining, educating or enlightening the
People. Theyāre not only following their passion, they are also
becoming famous and earning money at the same time.
So Horizontal and Vertical Reach has changed and transformed the lives
of Individuals, but what about organizations, or how about the way we
work?
The increase in connectivity has indeed changed the way we work.
Slowly, a new culture is taking over the organizations, where in the
work place is scattering. Imagine working for your dream company, and
that too, without moving away from your Home town. Isnāt that a bliss?
There has been an advent of companies which create an office like
place, having Internet access, Communication devices and so on. All
you need to do is to go there with your laptop, connect to your
organizationās Network and start working.
This not only affects the individuals and organizations, but the
environment also. If this culture is promoted, there would be a
decrease in the stress on some cities which is being caused by mass
migration of people. Gen C has already started its movement in
reducing the use of paper. We can say that Gen C is
environment-friendly.
Another distinguishing thing about Gen C is its creativity and the
change it has brought about in peopleās mind about problems. Gen C has
become solution oriented i.e. as soon as a problem is out there, we
are solving it, and solving it aggressively.
Citing some examples, a girl was molested by a cab driver. Many people
protested. Gen C came up with a solution ā a simple click on mobile
phone that would send a distress signal to the girlās family and
friends along with the GPS co-ordinates. The Cab companies also
enabled GPS on their cabs, to track movement of the Drivers.
Another example that I love is from Delhi. To bring a decrease in
pollution and traffic congestion, the government imposed a new rule
that Odd number cars were to be driven on odd dates, and even number
cars on even number dates. This also posed a problem for people who
travelled daily to and from Delhi, and that number is quite a lot.
The next day, someone came up with an app that would allow people to
pool cars from same area travelling on the same route. This not only
enabled them to work in this rule, it saved their money, and
eventually led to a decrease in pollution and traffic congestion.
To me, Gen C is an attitude Caring about (by definition) Creation,
Cu-ration, Connection, and Community. When a product finds the right
way to engage with its Consumer, they can become the biggest spenders,
the most vocal supporters, and the most influential opinion formers.
In short, they can become the best customers.
However, if I look into GEN C practically, i have discovered the same
attitude long back when i entered in my teen age. there was each &
every attribute of GEN C which i was fortunate to learn from my
family. Be it creation or curation or connection or community. i
believe belonging to GEN C not only mean to care about these but to be
capable enough to combine all these attributes in one thread and
then apply it for your cause.
This is a simple (yet bit complex to practice) mantra for setting up
any business towards success.
And why only business, this is a mantra to succeed in any of your
endeavor; like i find it so much working for me in my JOB @ Amdocs.
creativity with communication (connect to community)ā¦ this is it.
AN ARTICLE BY AYUSH DEB
A lot has changed. With the introduction of smartphones in the 20th
century, the world has evolved. I am a 13-year-old kid with a loving
family. A dad who cares for me more than he cares for himself and a
mum who has a heart bigger than the ocean. The use of media has also
connected my family together. Every member of my family possess a
smart digital device that keeps us connected 24/7.Ā
At home,Ā in-transit, at school and at my parentsā workplace. We use it to
connect with our friends and family with an app called WhatsApp. With
1 billion downloads, WhatsApp can connect me with anyone.
In the 21th century, we grew up under the influence of Samsung, Apple,
Iron Man, Transformers and the eyes (iās) of the world. Technology is
so intimately intertwined into our lives that we sleep & wake up with
it. Even my grandparents are decently addicted to their new smart
toys. My grandmothersā status on WhatsApp is always online. The same
applies for my grandfatherās. Nowadays we can use new day technology
to reminiscent about the past, not a single social occasion is missed
where our physical presence is not always practically feasible. In
this connected world, one can easily cheer up your near and dear ones
in moments of despondency, up the spirits if someone is going through
bad health. I have experienced myself when we could be with my great
grandmothersā last moments in a remote village and seek her blessings
as well. Now we have an additional task to constantly chat (sometimes
meaningless) with our seniors to give them more & more practice so
that they do not forget the basicsā¦biggest wonder being my grandmother
referring to online recipes to give me surprise and sometimes sending
me fresh WhatsApp jokes ļ
By 2020, the number of people using mobile phones will reach 6 billion
(nearly 80 percent of the world population) and 4.7 billion people
will access the Internet, primarily through their mobile devices THIS
IS GEN-C, Generations Connected, communicating, always clicking ā
ānothing goes unheard/unseen, none is a strangerā.
GEN C: EMPOWERED BY TECHNOLOGY, DRIVEN BY COMMUNITY
We are Gen C, and this is our story.
āWeāre at an advantage due to the amount of technology we have, being
able to communicate anytime and anywhere throughout the world.ā
āOur generation takes everything to the next level. Inspiration is key
in my following people and I want to inspire people.ā
Why are we known as Gen C?
Because we thrive on Connection, Community, Creation and Curation;
weāre engaged and we want our voices to be heard. Weāre not a
generation in the traditional sense ā about 65% of Gen C are under 35,
but regardless of how old we are, weāre the sort of mavens who shape
opinion and lead thought. Put simply, Gen C isnāt a quirk of when or
where you were born; itās a way of life.
The three things my generation would be synonymous with are worldly
interests, personal development, and searching for meaning. Itās all
about communication and learning from each other.
Gen C is unique because we are highly engaged, making purposeful
decisions about the way we choose to live our lives.
We are motivated by honesty and integrity.
We are empowered by technology, living in the moment, always on.
And weāre proud to give back more than they take on.
CREATION:
Creation means to make something valuable and share it with others. We
do this because itās empowering and necessary for our world.
But creation is just one means of expression for Gen C. We also add
value and drive engagement in our communities by sharing links,
building playlists, and updating their status; three quarters of Gen C
curate online content at least once a week. We see creation as a way
of life; whether it'ā¬ā¢s shooting videos, writing blog posts or posting
reviews, almost everyone of them does it. Nine in ten create online
content at least once a month. ā¬Å
COMMUNITY:
Gen C live in the present tense, masterfully controlling media and
technology to feed our hunger for information and to satisfy our need
to feel connected no matter where we are. Part of that motivation
comes from FOMO: Fear Of Missing Out, with social platforms helping us
to keep our finger on the world'ā¬ā¢s pulse. We also thrive on adding
value to communities; seven in ten curate or create to build
community.
CONNECTION:
A new force in culture and commerce: Spending, sharing, and
influencing. For Gen C, the days of passive consumption are over, but
brands are discovering how to form deeper connections with this
engaged audience. Across the globe, we(Gen C) are twice as likely to
be early adopters, agreeing that "ā¬ÅI am among the first of my friends
and colleagues to try new products."ā¬ Gen C are 1.8x more likely to
be influencers, agreeing that "ā¬Åpeople often come to me for advice
before making a purchase.ā
CURATION:
We control the ads we see, so brands wanting to engage with Gen C must
do so in ways that bring real value. In 2013, for example, Pepsi MAX
launched āTest Drive,ā a four-minute prank video in which a disguised
Jeff Gordon takes an unsuspecting car salesman on the test drive of
his life. It racked up nearly 40 million views online and took top
spot on the March YouTube Ads Leaderboard, trading on its humor and
sense of surprise to give viewers something they'ā¬ā¢d want to share
with others.
Engaging with Gen C: Analyzing media habits on YouTube and beyond āI
think it is absolutely fascinating to look at the audience on YouTube.
Unlike traditional media, they are defined psychographically ā¦ and
that does give you a better opportunity for brand engagement. You can
tap into a very passionate set of individuals who can be advocates for
your brand and have networks that can extend well beyond YouTube."ā¬
But we(Gen C) also engage deeply with YouTube, using it to pursue a
variety of passions, such as music, film, cooking, and home
improvement, with How-to/DIY featuring as a top genre in 23 of the 35
global markets, including the Asia-Pacific.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Gen C are a powerful new force in culture and commerce, and we spend a
significant amount of time on YouTube. We'ā¬ā¢re active consumers who
make a difference with our passions in life, spending behaviors and
influence on others.
Last week, my dryer decided that it had had enough, and I didnāt blame
it. In 14 years, my dryer had gone from drying clothes for a family
of 2, to taking on loads for a family of four, from rolling around
tiny socks and bibs, to shrinking soccer jerseys, and gymnastics
uniforms. It was a thankless job, and now it would do it no more.
Panic began to wash over me as I pushed buttons, and twisted knobs.
āWhat to do now,ā I wondered. We have no clothes line out back. I
donāt have a million quarters for a laundry mat, and even if I did,
Iād have to retrain myself on how to use the massive machines that
inhabit them. I had come to know my dryer backwards and forwards. I
could start it up in the dark. I understood all the familiar beeps
and whistles. I donāt like change. I was lost.
But I had options. I am part of Generation C, a generation similar to
X and Y, where we arenāt described by our birth date, but by our
behavior. Gen Cās behaviorā¦..we are always āon,ā we are always
connected. My laptop, smartphone, and/or tablet could walk me
through troubleshooting. If I concluded that my beloved should rest
in peace, and not be resurrected from the dead, my device would help
me find his twin, or even help me decide whether to upgrade to his
younger, faster, more energy efficient brother. And the best part, I
would be able to make an educated decision based not only on what the
brandās site was spitting at me, but I could arm myself with the
experiences and recommendations shared on consumer review websites,
social networks, and blogs. This type of consumer response is being
recognized more and more as a significant part in influencing
customersā brand loyalty and purchasing behavior.
Generation C is big on getting and giving information. We are not
selfish with our knowledge. We share with gusto. And businesses are
more than happy to take it all in. For instance, Coca colas Free
style fountain drink dispenser uses an RFID chip in order to monitor
and track dispenser operations as well as provide real-time business
analytics about product consumption and preferences. Customers can
explore drink combinations at these machines and share them on
Facebook via an app. Also, the toy manufacturer Lego has successfully
used customer comments and conversations on the Lego Club website to
design new products. We give (our opinion), we get (a product or
service), and we buy. Itās a win/win for all parties involved.
Itās been a week, and I have yet to decide how future laundry in my
household will be handled, but what I can say is thisā¦ā¦..my fellow Gen
Cāers will have a huge say in the matter.
Basic needs of human being are food, cloth and shelterā¦now in this
era apart from this all it changed to internet, internet and only
internet!!
So what is mean by digital citizen? Is it robot?? Nopeā¦ wrong
guess.
Let me emphasis more on this. People fond of smart phones,
tablets, video conferencing, e-mails, e-signature, e-commerce, e
shopping, e-learning, YOUTUBE, internet banking, facebook, watsapp are
digital citizens or Gen C folksā¦and I am also one among them.
My journey towards digitization started from my 10th standard. I
remember the day when I was told by my family that I am going to
complete my higher secondary education in other city. I was afraid of
leaving my loving ones. New people, newly struggle to settle down.
Later for the first time i started video calling and you know what
it became very easier for me to get in touch with my loved ones no
matter where I am!! That was the very biggest and best possible thing
for me at that time.
Being Gen C I used to be rely more on internet.There is a big
influence of this technique on our daily life. Electronic devices,
multimedia and computers are things we have to deal with every day.
Especially the Internet is becoming more and more important for nearly
everybody as it is one of the newest and most forward-looking media
and surely ātheā medium of the future.
As now a days in this digital era few things are really
commendable as I am social, awareness of what is going on in even
corner of the world, can write blogs, take online courses, join
community, take part in online quiz and get recognition too!!
Only constant thing is the CHANGE in this era. Yet the journey of
digitalization have more drastic changes like self-driving cars, smart
homes, drone, 3D robotics in our day to day life.
so letās meets over there again!!!
I remember a day in 2010 breathing space at a hotel in St Petersburg.
It was drizzling from peep of the day, which made around absolutely
magnificent. From the morning I was humming a lovely-soothing tune.
And then ā¦ā¦ It stroked me all of a sudden realizing that I was not
being able to recall the song or lyrics. Can you imagine, how it
feels! It feels like sitting right before that yummy Mexican pizza but
unable to bite it! The more I try to remember, the more it confuses
myself. As if it reaches my throat but I am not able to utter!
Disturbing isnāt it? Hunted through the web-consumed 4 glasses of
coffee-banged WWW mesh but surrendered eventually! That magnificent
around appeared so feeble so dull! But exactly then I started tumbling
to the fact that, creative Gen C is ringing bell inside me, with
ideas-aspirations-opus. Itās that, I was really missing the
functionality or application of āsearching music by humā.
Then Gen C mellows
Was I meagre in exploring enough or this feature is absent for Gen C totally!
I asked about the availability of such quirk at several contacts over
internet. Following that many others responded mostly with advices,
agreements, sharing comments and hitting ideas.
In those comments, someone hinted input of humming-technique-query
could be as āla-la-la-laā or āhmmm-hmmm-hmmm hmmmā. Someone expressed
wish to meet a tool that narrowed down search query by Era + āhumā.
Therefore it was quite evident that Gen C world didnāt win this
feature yet! On the other hand I felt so proud to read those comments.
The factuality discerned a sense of being virtually united, perceived
a virtual connection of homogeneous thoughts.
Did we find treasure of life?
As Gen C demands, Gen C evolves and Gen C gains. Some unbelievable Gen
C teams ushered in working on āspeech recognitionā technique long back
and developed STT (Speech To Text) during 2009-11 period. Indeed a
renaissance. WWW nexus is now crammed with applications/software that
let out huge results of music by humming or sounding. There are tools,
light-weight programs. Now-a-days whenever I hum, my neurons wend Gen
C. No more dull afternoon!
