Many other eras have been defined by a social movement or a momentous political event. But it is nearly impossible to define today's generation by one singular trait as today's world is so fast-paced and just constantly changing. Whereas the '60s saw huge musical artists like The Beach Boys and The Beatles, today's generation cannot even seem to agree on a genre of music — while popular songs today may garner some attention, such fame is only transient at best. While the '70s are defined by the hippie movement against the Vietnam War, today's generation cannot seem to ban together to agree on whether they support the "War on Terror." The '80s produced some of America's most-loved classic films, such as Back to the Future and The Breakfast Club, and favorite re-runs, such as Saved by the Bell and Full House, but today's generation cranks out movies and TV shows that probably will not be able to stand the test of time. Today's generation just cannot seem to agree on anything; it's no surprise that in the past few decades, this generation has received (and will continue to receive) a plethora of names — from Generation X to the Peter Pan Generation to the Me Generation to Generation 9/11, and so on. Hence, I bring up the original question: What defines our generation? The masses' fervent interests tend to change on an hourly basis, so trying to pinpoint a common passion found in the general public would be nearly impossible. However, it is possible to determine the many forms of media that are of interest to our current generation. Though they may not necessarily stick around forever, they are a big portion of what actually "defines" our generation. Thus, the following is a condensed list of all that currently monopolizes a good amount of our time.

 

Facebook

Though when it first came out, people had used it as just another way of keeping in touch with others, Facebook has grown into one of the top — if not the No. 1 — social-networking websites. Today, Facebook can be used for almost any sort of communication, from creating and planning social events, to spreading awareness about hot topics, to simple instant-message chatting, to staying connected to as many people possible in one singular moment. It revolutionized the way we communicate, forever changing the world as we once knew it.

 

What came before Facebook: Myspace, instant messaging, e-mail, phone calls, invitation cards

Check out: FAILBOOK

 

Blogging & Twitter

When the Internet first became a phenomenon, everyone was wary about letting the slightest bit of information about their true identity slip. But today, it's all about sharing absolutely everything with everyone; constant updates on what they are doing, innermost thoughts, private conversations, personal opinions, etc. Nothing is off-limits in this new webosphere. The world — online, at least — has gradually transformed from private and secluded to public and open.

 

What came before Twitter and blogs: Diaries, Xanga, Facebook statuses, AIM chats

Check out: FAILBLOG & FUNTWEETS & TWITLOL

 

Google

While back in the day, it was Yahoo! and Ask Jeeves that everyone turned to when they had a query, Google has become the most used search engine in the United States today. The term "to google" has been entered into several established dictionaries with the definition of (1) searching for something on the Internet using a search engine and (2) checking the credentials of someone by searching for websites containing his or her name. Though Google may be known for its search engine, it has also established a name for itself in several other fields, such as e-mail, humanitarianism and synergy. As per its transformation into a multinational company, Google's spheres of influence have spanned the circumference of the earth.

 

What came before Google: The library, government records

Check out: AUTOCOMPLETE ME

 

Urbandictionary.com

While it was foreseeable that the Internet would bring together all different kinds of people, it definitely was not expected that such a melding of varying cultures would lead to not only the introduction of different kinds of slang, but the creation of new slang words altogether. Today, when someone doesn't understand the new cool word on the street, he or she can just go to Urban Dictionary, where people around the world contribute appropriate definitions for these new terms and vote for the definition that best fits what they believe the word actually means. This forum allows you to prevent potentially awkward moments and societal mishaps.

 

What came before urbandictionary.com: Mass chaos and confusion

 

 

Wikipedia

What's one of the first things that the average person thinks to do when he or she hears about a term, person, event, etc. with which he or she is unfamiliar? Look it up on Wikipedia. When the average person has to write a research paper, what's one of the first sources that one turns to for more information? Wikipedia. If the average person was curious to know how many degrees of separation were between Alexander Hamilton and a fish? Surf Wikipedia. Wikipedia serves as not only an endless source of information, but also an endless source of entertainment.

 

What came before Wikipedia: Encyclopedias

Check out: WIKIPEDIA-ING SILLY THINGS

 

Youtube

Though in the past there have been several different websites dedicated to the sharing of videos, Youtube revolutionized the entire process. In the beginning, Youtube was just a website where friends, families and coworkers could share homemade videos. As time passed, the range of types of videos being posted varied greatly. Today, official record labels and production companies promote their next big item by posting music videos and trailers. Television channels offer previews and sometimes even complete episodes of popular TV shows to entice and draw in more viewers. Youtube has even created a community of sorts among the most subscribed users, such as NigaHiga and Smosh. Youtube allows viewers and users to connect in a fun and entertaining manner.

 

What came before Youtube: MTV and DVDs

Check out: YOUTUBE COMEDY