According to Scott Simon, the “Generation Next” refers to the youth between 16-25 years old. These 42 million people have lived through major events such as terrorism, war, and economic upheaval. In the United States, the “Generation Next” has gone through and are continuing to go through very different life styles than their parents. They are engaged in politics and are more aware of the events going on throughout the world.
Technology proves to have a major influence in the lifestyles of these so called “Generation Next”, as it comes to social networking, instant messaging, and cell phones. I would say that there are more similarities than there are differences between the Kurdish and Iraqi youth in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. Social networking has become a daily activity, and as a result friends, and the surrounding youth have become more aware of political changes.
In addition, the podcast speaks about how active the youth is compared to their parents about politics. However, the youth that has lived in the KRG and Iraq has become more concerned I would say than the youth in the United States. One of the major difference than the youth goes through in Kurdistan/Iraq is that we are going through an economic boom and a much more democratic government. Products such as cell phones, social networking, and other technological innovations can be targeted to this demographic.
