[Snoozle]

I agree with your general skepticism - I believe there is evidence of every generation claiming that the younger cohorts are no longer up to par. Still, even without specific evidence to back up my claims, I can't imagine that childhood exposure to the internet and video games hasn't had a profound effect on our youth.

I am limited in my ability to only experience my immediate surroundings, and statistics are limited by sample sizes, bias, and reporting techniques. I can tell you, however, that the children I have direct experience with are generally worse at writing, reading, focus, and the ability to troubleshoot and critically think.

It is difficult to make comparisons to childhoods other than my own experience, but I was not an exceptional child. I made poor grades in high school and college, and was generally considered average in most subjects, and yet when I compare my skills and abilities at a similar age to the children I see now (most who are in exceptional private schools), I feel as though my toolbox was much more robust.

Granted, I was not nearly as good at memes and youtube and online social etiquette as children are these days. They are still learning quite a bit. I just worry that what they are learning does not prepare them to live a life in which they have to participate in society.