Simon Sinek, whose masterful TED Talks and books on motivation are legendary, has come out with a bold and rather brash assessment of Millenials in the workplace. He bases their attitudes on growing up with adults hovering over them, giving them rapid and almost constant (often unwarranted) praise and promising them control of their world. Except it doesn't really work out that way when they get their first jobs.
Importantly, in this video interview, Sinek also describes these digital natives as 'addicts' to connective media. Addiction--as compared to just bad habits or social norms--is based on chemical reactions in the brain, which come from instant gratification from checking social media. The addict eventually can't stop looking at their screens.
While there is risk in over-generalising generations, and some evidence that young people's reaction to media is explained more from being young than any other significant difference from other generations (which means they will change their behaviours over time), Sinek's commentary raises some serious questions about personal habits, control and connectivity.
Importantly, in this video interview, Sinek also describes these digital natives as 'addicts' to connective media. Addiction--as compared to just bad habits or social norms--is based on chemical reactions in the brain, which come from instant gratification from checking social media. The addict eventually can't stop looking at their screens.
While there is risk in over-generalising generations, and some evidence that young people's reaction to media is explained more from being young than any other significant difference from other generations (which means they will change their behaviours over time), Sinek's commentary raises some serious questions about personal habits, control and connectivity.
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