The 2000s — the adult
In the more modern era (the 2000s, the era of reality television shows and mobile communication devices), people are more connected than ever before. Information is everywhere. New languages are being created because of texting and instant messaging. Acronyms such as TTYL (talk to you
later), LOL (laughing out loud), and BRB (be right back) are commonplace. And a huge number of people provide feedback to vote people off of competi- tions on shows such as American Idol — bringing new meaning to market research and understanding what will sell. For example, in 2006, viewers
cast 63 million votes for the contestants in the American Idol finale — which exceeded the most votes obtained by a United States president (Ronald Reagan, with 54.5 million votes). So, the world is definitely now connected!