Vancouver International Digital Festival

Dear Baby Boomer, Fearer of the Digital Unknown

Below, enjoy a pastoral letter written by Jasmine Antonick, Media Junkie, and one of our VIDFEST speakers.

Dear Baby Boomer, Fearer of the Digital Unknown:

Don’t be afraid of me. I come in peace.
We has lotz 2 learn from each othr.

Let me introduce myself: I’m the Net Generation.

Don Tapscott told you about me in his book, Growing Up Digital.
Fortune Magazine deconstructed me for you in its “Guide to the Gen Y Worker” feature last year; explaining that just because I wear jeans to work and have iPod headphones stuck in my ears doesn’t mean I can’t add tremendous value to your organization.

I like to be stimulated. The more media and content I can access in any place, at anytime, the better. I’ll filter out the noise and focus on what resonates with me. And if I like it, or think it’s valuable, I’ll share it with you. We both might learn something!

Oh, and please stop thinking I’m crazy for putting up photos and personal information about myself on the Internet. I love sharing. I think the free flow of information and content online is empowering. Seriously, openness is my thing, and I’m bringing it to the workplace — so I suggest we work together on this.
Who knows, maybe a dash of transparency and creativity in your organization might open up a new market and create happier, more involved consumers…

I’m not afraid of the Internet. It nurtured me as I grew up. It taught me about the world, about people, and about myself.
It taught me to create, consume and customize.

You may ask yourself what YouTube or Facebook have to do with growing your business or making the world a better place, but I think they can.
Not because I can watch a video of a cat playing the piano or stalk my high school sweet heart in my FB feed, but because they’re tools to tell stories, connect with people and engage them in new ways. We’re in the age of participation driven by digital media, and I’ve jumped in with both feet.

Stick your toe in the water and see how nice it is. Trust me, I’m about more than downloading movies and music: I’m about making the world flatter and getting people talking. I’m seeing results and invite you to work with me to make an even bigger impact.

The future is bright, my friend. Even if you get Rick Rolled along the way :)

Cheers,
Gen.Y.