Archive for the culture Category

Is the fear of better options (FOBO) paralyzing millennials?

Posted in culture on 03/21/2012 by mark novelli

I recently read a very interesting article on CNN by Priya Parker entitled, “Millennials Paralyzed by Choice”.

She contends that through social media millennials constantly hear about “all the cool places they could be and cool things they could be doing, which always seem better than where they now are.” This constant stream is shaping a “defining ethic” of this generation, who when facing major life decisions seem to be paralyzed by FOBO – the “fear of better options”. Here are a few really interesting segments:

More and more, particularly among those who have yet to make those big life decisions (whom to marry, what kind of job to commit to, where to live), FOMO and FOBO – the “fear of better options” – are causing these young leaders to stand still rather than act. “The way I think about it metaphorically is choosing one door to walk through means all the other doors close, and there’s no ability to return back to that path,” one subject told me. “And so rather than actually go through any doorway, it’s better to stand in the atrium and gaze.”

Those with the most options in this generation have a tendency to choose the option that keeps the most options open.

Have you found this to be true? Could this change the way you interact with millennials?

Read the full article here.

Text Less, Think More?

Posted in communication, culture on 03/13/2012 by mark novelli

A recent article by Stephen L. Carter states — 13 to 17 year olds average seven texts “every waking hour,” or roughly one every 8 1/2 minutes!

Here are a few other observations of note that he makes:

My worry is that the ubiquity of texting may accelerate the decline of what our struggling democracy most needs: independent thought. Indeed, as texting crowds out other activities, it must inevitably crowd out inactivity — and there lies a danger. For inactivity and thinking are inextricably linked.

 …when the rest of the world thinks we are idle, the brain, if properly trained, is following its own path. Only then, he contends, are we truly thinking. The rest of the time we are analyzing and reacting, but our thoughts are then determined by responses to the thoughts of others. Unless we spend time in reflection — in idleness — we can never truly think thoughts of our own.

I could not agree more. I think our devices are making our personal thought lives crowded. Instead of riding an elevator or waiting in line at the store—I am looking at my phone.

This immediately made me think about how important it is for us to structure our conferences, church gatherings and learning environments to include space for reflection, processing and thought.

Infographic about Millennials

Posted in communication, culture on 02/22/2012 by mark novelli

Are we trying to fit old things into the new form?

Posted in communication, culture, technology on 01/27/2012 by mark novelli
Interesting thoughts from Marshall McLuhan.

“When any new form comes into the foreground of things, we naturally look at it through the old stereos. We can’t help that. This is normal, and we’re still trying to see how will our previous forms of political and educational patterns persist under television. We’re just trying to fit the old things into the new form, instead of asking what is the new form going to do to all the assumptions we had before.”

How might this apply to the internet? To the way we gather?

[HT: Michael Novelli]

Genius Bar Secrets

Posted in culture, technology on 01/11/2012 by mark novelli

 

I love apple products, as I know many of you do. I have often told family members when considering buying competeing products, that apple’s customer service was as an incredibly valuable factor to consider. I believe that apple is unmatched in this department, and this has been a huge part of their success.

My brother Michael passed along this article about how to get the most of your trip to the genus bar. Here is my summary:

1. Be honest, especially about water damage – they will know.

2. A manager can exercise “one-time exception” and replace an item regardless of the circumstances, s0 be nice!

3. A Genius can replace a device up to 45 days after the warranty expires

4. If you have battery issues and are out of warranty, apple replaces “the battery” by replacing the entire phone for $80

5 & 6. Earbuds and accessories that came with your device ARE covered under your apple warranty.

7. If there is a widespread known issue, Apple will swap immediately. So look up your issue to see if many others are reporting it before your Genius bar visit.

8. There are no shortcuts to get an appointment – so set one up online ahead of time.

9. You can be 15 minutes late and won’t be punished.

10. Update your device with the latest software before you bring it in.

 

Feel free to chime in with your experiences!

To a one year-old, a magazine is an iPad that doesn’t work

Posted in culture, technology on 12/06/2011 by mark novelli

This video reminded me of a story that technology expert Clay Shirky told a few years ago about his friend’s daughter looking for the mouse behind their television. Shirky made the point that the emerging generation has a different set of expectations when it comes to information and technology. They expect to interact, and create, not just consume.  He summed it up by saying,  ”a screen that ships without a mouse, ships broken.” In recent years, touch screens, motion and voice controls are replacing the mouse as our input devices – but I think Shirky’s point still rings true. Our expectations are changing, and this must be addressed by those of us who teach others and share information.

[HT: www.tuaw.com]

Louis C.K. Hates Twitter

Posted in culture, technology on 11/15/2011 by mark novelli

Comedian Louis C.K., once again, makes some brilliant observations about technology and culture (WARNING LANGUAGE).

A Coke commercial is a metaphor for the Kingdom?

Posted in communication, culture on 11/03/2011 by mark novelli

I was recently at the Missional Learning Commons  last week and one of the discussions we had was around thinking of new metaphors for the Kingdom. This commercial came to mind and I immediately searched for it on YouTube. For me, it depicts (in a caricature-esque way) how we are to be looking to join God in restoring our cities to places of compassion, love and justice. Enjoy!

For youth, internet is as essential as food!?

Posted in culture, technology on 10/04/2011 by mark novelli

Networking company Cisco recently conducted a survey global survey of 18-29 year olds from 14 different countries. 33% of the more than 1400 surveyed said that internet access has become a basic need ranking behind air, water, food and shelter.

64% said they would prefer an internet connection to a having a car.

40% said that the internet is more important than dating or going out with friends or even listening to music.

[ht: michael novelli]

Great commercial

Posted in creativity, culture, technology on 09/08/2011 by mark novelli
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