Instant message yes, landline no

Since everyone and their uncle have been taking a shot at predicting the digital future, why not include someone who actually has some expertise in the subject? USC's Jeffrey Cole told the American Magazine Conference in Phoenix that most 12-24-year-olds will never read a print-edition newspaper or own a landline phone. They rely on instant messaging and think e-mail is for their parents.

The good news: Cole, director of the school's Center for the Digital Future, said print-edition newspapers have a long-term future - we're talking decades, not years (the Ad Age account of his speech doesn't offer particulars on how this will happen). He also believes that the popularity of social networking sites will be hit and miss. "Teenage online communities are like nightclubs, and when the uncool kids, or even worse, their parents, learn about it, they are out of there. It is fundamental part of teen nature to be a pioneer, and constant movement is a fact of life with teens in online communities," he said.


More by Mark Lacter:
American-US Air settlement with DOJ includes small tweak at LAX
Socal housing market going nowhere fast
Amazon keeps pushing for faster L.A. delivery
Another rugged quarter for Tribune Co. papers
How does Stanford compete with the big boys?
Those awful infographics that promise to explain and only distort
Best to low-ball today's employment report
Further fallout from airport shootings
Crazy opening for Twitter*
Should Twitter be valued at $18 billion?
Recent stories:
Siri versus Hawaiian pidgin (video)
Letter from Down Under: Welcome to the Homogenocene
One last Florida photo
Signs of Saturday: No refund
'I Am Woman,' hear them roar

New at LA Observed
On the Media Page
Go to Media

On the Politics Page
Go to Politics
Arts and culture

Sign up for daily email from LA Observed

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner


Advertisement
Mark Lacter
Mark Lacter created the LA Biz Observed blog in 2006. He posted until the day before his death on Nov. 13, 2013.
 
Mark Lacter, business writer and editor was 59
The multi-talented Mark Lacter
LA Observed on Twitter and Facebook