American Dream 2.0

The Internet generation are the group of individuals between the ages of 18 and 28 who grew up with the Internet as an increasing presence in their life. The goal of this research is to explore what the American dream means to this generation, as the Internet begins to take a greater role in society. Ten Internet generation members were interviewed, five in-person and five online, about their definition of the American dream, their Internet use, and their thoughts on both subjects separately and how they interact. Their definition of the American dream focuses on the separation of the “mass American dream” that everyone should follow that promotes wealth, and the “individual American dream” which is different for everyone, but tends to promote social welfare, helping others and making your own definition of success. Even as the Internet becomes more vital to achieving the dream through information, education, and opportunities, the actual dream becomes increasingly irrelevant.