Computers and the Internet have been around long enough for long term studies to show the effect of them on students and career age individuals. We have a net savvy generation but in the things that really matter, ignorance abounds. Studies show that wired classrooms have produced no measurable increases in desired educational outcomes such as reading skills and problem solving. This generation knows all about pop culture but is at a loss understanding world events.
"As of 2008, the intellectual future of the United States looks dim." (233) While the outlook looks bright for technology, the future of civic understanding and liberal education the direction is downward. "The Dumbest Generation cares little for history books, civic principles, foreign affairs, comparative religions, and serious media and art, and it knows less." (234)
Bauerlein suggests that adults needs to align against youth ignorance and apathy. Adolescence must be regarded as an inferior realm. If the current habits are not corrected, the Dumbest Generation, "...may even be recalled as the generation that lost the great American heritage, forever." (236)
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