Why Youth Will Rule the World

The days when great-grandfathers and mothers were considered the wise leaders of society became extinct, it seems, along with the dinosaur. In their stead, middle-aged members of society stepped into the role as "captains of industry", leaders in politics and voices that shape public opinion. Their role assured for generations, middle-aged folk are about to undergo a tidal shift in society's structure that will carry the youth, as if riding a surfboard at some California beach, to the shore of leadership.

For years and years, the plan has been to carefully shape and mold young minds, honing their skills, ambitions and characters so that they become productive members of society, waiting their turn and climbing the ladder till it is their time to take hold of the reins. Think of women and men in suits and ties, grinding through their daily schedule and hoping for the next promotion. Think of the politicians patiently writing not-to-radical legislation for years and years until they have a chance to become a key player - whether as a candidate, party leader or head activist. Think of the young journalist, ambitious and reckless, pursuing wild leads so that maybe they can hit it big and get on the right track to future editor-hood.

And now think of the writers on this site. Mostly young, opinionated and generally without formal journalism experience. Anti-establishment? No - just pro-communication.

Youth today obviously have more means to communicate than their mothers and fathers did; the internet, with its MySpaces and Facebooks, messenger services like AIM and MSN Messenger and cell phones, all make communication a snap. Not only are young people at liberty to talk to each other more, but they are also exposed to more of the world. News, sports and entertainment are only a click away, and this is a segment of the population that is still, by and large, unsure of the world - so they explore it. Nothing has changed with the biology of teenagers and young adults; passionate opinion will be formed quickly. What we have is more information given to the most lively segment of society who can communicate with each other more easily than ever (with technology, it might be said, that they are much more adept in using than their parents).

Where youth once had to fit into the culture their elders had lived in, they are now at liberty to create their own. Where youth once had to patiently wade through the bureaucracy of whatever field they chose for themselves, they are now equipped with the knowledge and means by which to alter their fields. Where youth once had to be groomed to be ready for the world, the world should now be wondering if it is ready for them.

Take the leaders in technology as examples: the creator of Napster was a college student when he first launched his revolutionary peer-to-peer program; the creators of Google and Dell are young men; and Bill Gates, who was young at one point, dropped out of college because he had this crazy idea that might, just might turn into something.

The new wave of young general managers and coaches in the professional sports world is another indicator of the rise in knowledge among young people and their rise in power as well. General Managers Brian Cashman and Theo Epstein made waves, not only for being young, but for succeeding in the baseball world. Jon Gruden, the recent hiring of Lane Kiffin as Raiders head coach and the departure of a number of elderly coaches in the NFL, further solidify the trend.

But all this is simply the beginning. About a week ago presidential candidate Barack Obama spoke at an event organized on Facebook.com and attended primarily by young adults and college-aged youth. Groups supporting candidates are sprouting up on every MySpace-like program and candidates are courting the services of young bloggers and internet fundraisers. Has there ever been more attention paid or given to young voters than there is being given now? The dynamics have changed.

When even newer technology is born, it is the youth who first and wholeheartedly embrace it and make it their own. As each mode of communication is outdated, the better upgrade will be manipulated by younger generations, who will use their passion and ingenuity to, perhaps unconsciously, out-duel their older counterparts and take on positions of leadership.

How long do we really think it will be before we see the first viable movement to lower the age at which one can run for president, congressman or senator? How long till we see the first 18 year old CEO, 25 year old senator or 20 year old director holding up an Oscar? What is most shocking is this; armed with the knowledge gained through an accessible modern world, fluid use of the most modern technology and the passion that is the trademark of youth, these new leaders may be astoundingly good at what they do.