The online world is as varied as people are varied in their moral views, their economic circumstances and their social structures. In the video below, Director Lee Rainie discusses social, economic, and political trends especially among the younger generation that have given rise to a new and emerging class of networked citizens at Google’s Mountain View, CA headquarters.

The conversation covers questions such as: How have the internet and smart phones enabled modern citizens to create information and media that help them influence others, navigate their options and create new kinds of communities? Are new tools of social media – like blogs, social network sites and texting – reshaping the very environment of media and information itself?

You can learn more about the Millennial Generation at: http://pewresearch.org/millennials

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kFPJc3X8DA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&w=500&h=304]

The Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan “fact tank” that provides information on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It does so by conducting public opinion polling and social science research, by analyzing news coverage, and by holding forums and briefings. It does not take positions on policy issues. The Center is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.