Non-Fiction Pick of the Week: Born Digital

Born Digital: Understanding the First Generation of Digital Natives by John Palfrey and Urs Gasser 2008

A thought-provoking read for parents and educators of “digital natives”—those born after 1980 who do not remember a time before computers and the Internet. This generation experiences information, creativity, control, privacy, and friendship differently and therefore present unique challenges and opportunities. The authors offer a balanced approach cautioning against over-reaction and counseling common-sense in guiding both generations through this transition period. As part of a the Digital Natives project affiliated with Harvard University, there is an accompanying website with links to a wiki, blog, and bookmarks to encourage further discussion, as well as a presence on YouTube, Facebook, and MySpace. If you don’t know what those things are, you should probably read the book!