10 rules of Electronic Age 2016
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By Chang Se-moon
As our lives are becoming increasingly dependent on the gadgets of the electronic age, I would like to propose “Ten Rules 2016” for your consideration. I am adding 2016 to the title because I want to reserve the right to update the list. After reading, let me know if you have suggestions.
Rule one is that if there is any doubt or hesitation in your mind, do not post it online. This includes inappropriate messages, pictures and other information. Once these are online, you have lost any control over them.
Rule two is that you should not post any negative messages about anyone. Sometimes, we become so frustrated that we want to write something really bad online. Only do this if you are entirely convinced you will never regret having posted the message. If you have to do it, try to generalize your message, not personalize it. This has been my principle during my years of close contact with the media.
Rule three is that you need to consider 2.0. In other words, when you write reports for your supervisors, consider preparing 2.0 or even 3.0 before submission. You will be surprised to find how many improvements you can make over version 1.0, the first draft.
Rule four is that you need to untie, not cut, when ending relations. Untying, instead of cutting, is especially important when you fire someone, or end a relationship with someone, by sending a message online and off-line as well. Be as nice as you can.
Rule five is that you should avoid angry, abrasive people. Avoid them not only in real life but online as well, because they are likely vengeful and, often, violent.
Rule six is that inter-personal skills are more important than professional skills. Good grades at prestigious schools may get you a job. Once you get a job, everyone is equal. It is inter-personal skills that will separate you from the crowd. Interpersonal skills are twofold: attitude and ability to communicate. They show up online as they do in real life.
Rule seven is that workforce development requires not just the provision of training to acquire technical skills but also training to help develop human creativity and the ability to work with others that technology cannot replace.
Rule eight is that you should not complain about your employer online, or off-line. If you are thinking of doing it, read Ann Landers, which goes like this, to the best of my recollection: “Dear Ann Landers: My brother hates his boss and everyone he works with and talks about them constantly. I recall a quote in your column by Elbert Hubbard that had to do with company loyalty. Please run it again ― I Read You in Chattanooga.” “Dear Chat: Here It Is; ‘If you growl, condemn, and eternally find fault, resign your position, and when you are on the outside, damn to your heart's content. But so long as you are part of the institution, do not criticize it or the first high wind that comes along will blow you away and you will never know why.’"
Rule nine is that you may want to understand the desires and characteristics of a different generation of employees. I will overlook Baby Boomers (1946 to 1964), since many Boomers have retired or are employers. Adults of Gen X (1965 to 1977) are perceived to be disaffected and directionless; although I am not sure whether this is an accurate description. Young adults of Gen Y (1978 to 1997) are tech-savvy but narcissistic, meaning they have an inflated idea of their own importance. This is dangerous, since in reality no one is indispensable. This brings us to the youngsters of Gen Z (1998+), who are born with the Internet and thus are exposed to an unprecedented amount of technology in their upbringing. Well, Gen Z may want to go back to Rule One and read this article, again.
Rule 10 is that we must never forget that there is more to education than merely acquiring knowledge, electronic or otherwise. A story I recall goes like this: On the first day in the new school year all teachers in one school received the following note from the principal: “Dear teachers, I am a survivor of a concentration camp. My eyes saw what no man should witness: Gas chambers built by learned engineers. Children poisoned by educated physicians. Infants killed by trained nurses. Women and babies shot and burned by high school and college graduates. So, I am suspicious of education. My request is that teachers help students become human. Your efforts must never produce learned monsters, skilled psychopaths, educated Eichmanns. Reading, writing, arithmetic are important only if they serve to make our children more humane.”
If I recall correctly, this quotation is from Page 3 of Arthur and Christine Roberts’ "Curricular Reform," National Forum, the Phi Kappa Phi Journal, 67 (Summer 1987), 2-4.
Chang Se-moon is the director of the Gulf Coast Center for Impact Studies.