A recent Pew research project surveyed experts regarding the long-term impact always being "plugged in" will have on young adults. The results were a mixed bag. Make sure to
click this link and read the study to see this very interesting report.
I took away several points from the study. First, some people surveyed believe that always being connected will result in instant gratification, quick choices, and lack of patience. For me that already seems to be a pattern for young adults! I prefer the thinking of another group from the study who say:
"In 2020 the brains of multitasking teens and young adults are 'wired' differently from those over age 35 and overall it yields helpful results. They do not suffer notable cognitive shortcomings as they multitask and cycle quickly through personal- and work-related tasks. Rather, they are learning more and they are more adept at finding answers to deep questions, in part because they can search effectively and access collective intelligence via the Internet. In summary, the changes in learning behavior and cognition among the young generally produce positive outcomes."
By 2020, the hope would be that as a result of hyperconnectivity these young people will be deep thinkers!