https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/AFCLKa0XRlw
Ted Talk by Henry Jenkins
Henry Jenkins on participatory culture 03/06/2010
Henry makes an interesting analogy of old ‘technology’ of communications to current trends. Showing that it is not technology driving the participatory culture, but rather the youth. It seems it has always been the younger generation driving the new medium.
However, this is the first generation where age is not the defining factor. Yes, the dividing line falls more heavily to one side – you will find a greater percentage of the population as non-adopters of the new technology in the older generation – yet there are a significant number who are part of this new culture. Parents talking to children in new lingo. A major shift that has come along with this ‘non-generational divide’ – this is the first generation which listens to the same music as their parents. http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/entertainment&id=6961170
“Aug. 15-18, 1969, the weekend the muddy chaos of Woodstock marked rock music as the great divide between generations” http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/entertainment&id=6961170
Since this event it seems the generational gap has closed. Those before it resist technology, those after have moved in with the younger generation, who in turn has embraced the music spawned by the woodie generation.
I find this in my own family. My mother, as much as I cared for her, was a different generation. We held many of the same morals and values, yet she could not fully join my world. My daughters, however, are my equals. Sometimes I am mother, sometimes sister, sometimes I am even daughter – our divisions of who is ‘in charge’ are based on personal abilities for that particular subject rather than age or seniority.
I cannot help but add to this equation the fact that we spend time together in activities precisely because we enjoy the same music. This is turn brings new ideas and technology into my world.
- Ted Talk by Henry Jenkins
TechnoSuite 
I found it very interesting that you have included an example of Woodstock as closing the gap. I have not thought of it that way but when I did analyze it, I do agree. My parents, products of the 50s are light years away from me and my children. I feel that I am older than the tech generation but completely adapting to this society.
Growing up my dad used to have me program the VCR and such and now he still asks for step by step instructions on anything with electronic parts. He bought an IPhone and it lasted for a day in his pocket before returning it because it was too hard to operate.
My children and I explore technology, embrace it, and love it.