Digital nation

In 2001 Marc Prensky put forth the notion that there is a digital divide among us:

• Digital Natives (those born post-1980) grew up with modern technologies - computers, cable television, video games, the Internet
• The rest of us are Digital Immigrants - new to the digital world, trying to make sense of it all and assimilate technology into our lives
  

The article is called Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants -- A New Way To Look At Ourselves and Our Kids (PDF). It's a great read and it provides thoughtful insight into how the younger generation of Internet users has different needs and expectations.