Young Adults and the Computer

By Lauren de Albuquerque
Managing Editor, The Times of SWLA

 

The Times recently ran an article about senior citizens and their use of computers. It was interesting to learn how folks who did not grow up with the modern conveniences that we all take for granted have taken to Internet. Young adults, on the other hand, have been raised on computers. While both age groups share similarities in how they use them (networking, purchasing, Web-surfing), the younger generation uses computers much more extensively.

According to survey results recently released by a nationwide telephone poll of more than 1,000 households commissioned by the Round Table Group (RTG), a U.S. consulting firm of university professors, the Internet is quickly displacing older media, such as television and newspapers, as the prime source of important information for the U.S.'s young adults.

The poll revealed that 67 percent of Americans aged 18-24 live in households that use the Internet to gather key information, compared to a nationwide average of just 46 percent who use the Internet for that purpose.

Among those young adults, 59 percent say their households currently receive more "useful information" from the Internet than from newspapers. Fifty-three percent say they receive more "useful information" from the Internet than from television.

According to the study, 84 percent of young adult Internet users say their families are more likely to use the Internet to retrieve useful information than they are likely to go to the public library, and 68 percent of the those households are more likely to consult some specific questions on the Internet than turn to a newspaper.

The Times interviewed some local young adults to find out their computer habits.

Chase Wilson, 26, is a financial analyst at ConocoPhillips who depends on his laptop for everything. “I was probably 3 or 4 when I used a computer for the first time,” he said. “At first, I didn't think it was anything special; computers are something that I've been exposed to most of my life.”

It wasn't until his parents got AOL (he was in the sixth grade) that he really became interested in computers. “I thought it was fascinating to be able to communicate with friends over the Internet. I was also amazed at how quickly and easily you could get information without having to make a trip to the library,” he said.

At home, he has a Toshiba laptop that he’s happy with. He’s an avid Internet user, although he doesn’t have time for computer games. “I’m working toward my MBA in an online program through the University of Tulsa,” he said. “I also use the Internet to trade stocks, pay bills, make purchases, and conduct research.”

Wilson used to have a blackberry, but he now owns a Sprint Instinct. “I can still get my e-mail on that phone, plus live TV, radio, GPS, etc.” He also has an iPod, “but not too many other gadgets.”

Wilson does all of his work on his computer and the Internet. “I use a number of computer programs to analyze data and prepare presentations,” he said. “The Internet allows me to send and receive information and have web conferences with co-workers all over the word. I couldn't even imagine how hard it would be to do the type of work that I do without using a computer.”

As the assistant director of the Children’s Museum in Lake Charles, Allyson Blackwell, 28, leads a busy life, and finds the computer invaluable. She looked back on the first time she ever used one.

“I believe I was in the second grade, so I was about six years old. I was in the library during our library day and the librarian brought us to a group of computers and told us that we were going to read a story on the computer. I think it was about the mouse and the tiger… something about a thorn being stuck in the lion’s paw. I remember being a little nervous.”

She doesn’t think there are many days that’s she’s not on the Internet for either professional or personal use. “For work, it is a constant way of communication. I use it to receive and send messages (e-mails) to co-workers, board members and people in the community,” she said.

“Part of my job is public relations, so I am constantly sending out information regarding events and programs. I also maintain our Web site, which gets information out to the public 24-7. I also use the Internet as a research tool. It is easier than going to the library, and the amount of knowledge on the Internet is almost endless.”

At home, she uses her Compaq ( a PC—she’s said she’s not a laptop junkie!) for almost everything. “I use it to pay bills, check the weather, order gifts, research vacation spots and sometimes, just for entertainment. Recently, I used it to find a new home!”

Blackwell also enjoys the social aspect of the Internet. “I use it to stay in touch with family, friends and colleagues,” she said. “Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn and other social networks are wonderful ways to communicate, too. I use these networks to keep in touch and share pictures with friends from high school and college.”

Soon to be married, Blackwell said that the Internet played a huge part in her wedding plans.

“The Internet made wedding planning a little easier. I was able to get ideas on decorations, cakes, hairstyles, music and so much more,” she said. “I would have never been able to pick out a wedding dress or bridesmaid dresses without seeing different styles online. Now, you can also find the “dos and don’ts” of wedding planning and wedding planning timelines on thousands of helpful websites. Couples can even make a website to share with family and friends the celebration of their day. They can post pictures, events and registries online.”

If she had to, she could live without a computer, but it wouldn’t be easy. “It would be very hard to get used to,” she said. “I am very spoiled by it. Technology and the Internet have made my life so much easier to send and receive information, it would be hard not to have it around. With it, it’s so much easier to stay organized.”

“I believe that in today’s world, knowledge is definitely power,” she said. “Computers and the Internet offer so many uses and ways to gain knowledge! Without them, you are at a disadvantage.”

Blackwell doesn’t have a Blackberry, but it’s on her wish list. Her fiancé, however, has a Sprint Instinct. “He loves it,” she said. “He’s also into Playstation 3 and X-box. I’m not really into all that.”

Because of her position at the Children’s Museum, Blackwell has a huge interest in how computers benefit children.

“I believe the earlier a child has access to knowledge and the computer in today’s world, the better,” she said, cautioning that it has to be balanced with outdoor activity, play and interaction for a well-balanced child. “It helps promote imagination, growth and creativity. Parents must restrict what sites children can visit and how much time is spent on the computer. With these things in place, the sky is the limit on what can be learned.”

Tiffany Gardner, 28, a pharmacy tech for a Lake Charles health care facility, used computers for the first time at school to do word-processing type of schoolwork. “The first thing I remember about the actual Internet was looking at chat rooms,” she said.

As a pharmacy tech, she uses the Internet to purchase items for work, order medications, and check drug facts and information. “Personally, I use it to look up different things, share pictures and shop,” she said. But it’s not a huge deal in her life.

“I’m not as attached to it as so many people are nowadays, but I do enjoy having it!” she laughed.