Generation Nerd

I was once a “closet nerd.” Now I proudly spend most nights in my computer chair like I was at the helm of the USS Enterprise. Many of you will get this reference, because apparently, I’m not alone.

According to the US Census Bureau, Americans will spend an average of five months of the next year watching television, surfing the web, reading daily newspapers, and listening to personal music devices. Most of these activities include a keyboard and social media.

Do you find this report depressing? To my fellow nerds and marketers (of which I am both), this is our Eden. The opportunities that the Internet provide, particularly through social media sites, enriches all of our lives. The gamer can try his luck at the latest fighting game with someone across the world, while the marketer can target an incredible number of people with the simple click of a button.

The social conservative isn’t taking this statistic optimistically. Some argue that we are losing touch with reality, breaking social bonds, and giving way to the apocalypse, all from the amount of time “wasted” in front of the screen. I’m here to set the record straight.

We aren’t losing touch with reality.  Reality is simply evolving. I’m certain the ultra-conservatives of 1844 thought the telegraph distorted reality, but with our fresh perspective of 160 years, we know this is false. Social bonds are stronger because of social media.  Many of you reading this entry haven’t seen me in person in quite a while, but because of technology, you have the means to connect with me in ways that were not possible a decade ago.  As for the apocalypse, time will only tell.

If you feel you’re wasting away on YouTube or stalking friends on Facebook too much, remember, it’s only a problem if you’re above the average (roughly half of your day at a computer). We are a generation of “nerds”, some of us more than others. Our common bond is strengthened through technology, technology that has made being nerdy pretty cool.

Do you think we spend too much time with technology?  Are you benefiting from your time with social media, or do you think it’s a blemish on your daily routine?