Mark, thanks for such a long and in-depth response to my post. Just like Colin, you really took the time to think it through and make up your own mind. That is exactly what I like about "future" discussions. It isn't about who is right (history will tell), but it is more an exploration of possibilities. I have obviously failed to make the essence of my point clear ;-) Both you and Colin are touching it, but I mean to say it a bit different. I wasn't suggesting that the next generation won't be a part of public interaction, off course they will, both on-line and in the physical world. But in my opinion, they will find it less valuable than this generation does. I can think of 3 reasons for this: 1) Their parents do it, and they don't want to look like their dad who is a cranky old fart ;-) 2) They will have tools available that will enrich their on-line interactions in a much smaller community. More local, more personal, more mobile, more immersed within the physical environment. - Alexander van Elsas

3) They are already showing behavior that they are more concerned with privacy than this generation. In the comments of my post I referred to a study which showed that youngsters participate in social media, but that a significant % restricts access to their content to only friends. I really like your example of a theoretical application. You are thinking exactly what I was thinking. These type of applications will pop up and become useful. I even believe some of these will not be free, but payed for. And if there is an ad based version it can be much more effective for the purpose of that specific community, making it more valuable. The group could for example see advertisement relating to their trip, places to visit, things to bring along etc. Excellent reply. Makes me think that a follow up is needed to summarize the current discussions ;-) - Alexander van Elsas

Steven Hodson, sorry about the cranky old fart reference. By that I obviously meant OTHER people ;-) - Alexander van Elsas

Thanks Alexander, I'll be reading your followup post as well. - Mark Dykeman