Ok, maybe the title is a bit of an exaggeration, but when listening to Shel Holtz and Neville Hobson’s “For Immediate Release” this morning (congratulations, gentlemen on the FANTASTIC accomplishment of your 500th episode), the topic came up of what is likely to happen in the future of social media.

One of the terrific comments came from a listener who suggested that essentially the future of social media lies with teenagers.  Yep.  Teenagers.  Those snarling, lovable little people.  And when you think about this, this makes tremendous sense:

MOST teens:

• Are on social media sites like MySpace, Facebook and Youtube – and completely comfortable using them;
• Can multitask and Tweet on something like Tweetdeck with multiple windows open;
• Text at an unbelievable speed and volume, while simultaneously publishing to other online meeting places lke the aforementioned Facebook and MySpace; and
• Crave what is next, new and interesting.

Think about it.  In ten years, or less, these teens will be hitting the workplace with an opportunity to make a difference.  At 25, these folks might find themselves in an entry level or even mid-level position and bring with the the habits that they grew up with.  In short, the more that they evolve as consumers of social media and their careers grow in the process, the more we will see integration of these aspects in the workplace.

And as Shel said, “At 30, they’ll probably be managers.”  These now teens (or even tweens) will be in positions to make decisions and influence those both senior and junior to them.

So while I wrote some time ago “How to Sell Social Media to Your Dumb Ass Boss,” this one is a lot simpler. It’s a sticky note with this post:

“Dear Boss:

Please start using social media in many of the ways that I recommend now, because like the factory workers of yesteryear, you can either update your knowledge and skill sets or find yourself on the ash heap of professional development.”

Someday, you might just rule the world.

Mark