Today, there are approximately 115 million I.P.O.D.ers, the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in American history. They are a highly educated, bold and engaging lot whose strength in character comes from their upbringing. Their relationship with their parents is unique in that it is more a partnership than the usual hierarchal one under which their parents were raised. The majority stay connected with their parents by living at home after college. And 73 percent remain dependent long after by requiring some financial assistance from Mom and Dad.

Emotionally, life continues to shape this generation by throwing it curves. From the horrors of Sept. 11 to the limitless possibilities of digital technology, members of the I-Generation have seen the worst and the best the world has to offer in a very short time. These experiences have allowed them to develop global attitudes with a confidence and optimism not experienced by their parents, yet they remain dedicated to important causes ranging from civic to environmental. They are innovative, self-reliant and team-oriented. They seek out opportunities much like a child would seek out candy in a candy store. They are not afraid to challenge the status quo and believe that disagreement is not disrespect.

The best characterization of this group comes from Emory University's associate business school dean Andrea Hershatter. "They are like quarterbacks who like their (family) blocking and tackling for them, so they can run the ball," Hershatter contends. "They don't feel entitled because they are special. They feel entitled to have others support them in their effort to accomplish and achieve." This is a generation that is yet to embrace the other important attribute of quarterbacking -- leadership. This will come with time.

Relationships for the I-Generation are built online and through social networks. The typical I.P.O.D.er's "rule of thumb" is don't ask until you've Googled! They see technology as a way to answer all questions as well as a means to meet people and connect with friends. Trust does not have to be developed face to face. Trust can be nurtured through social networks and e-mails. This is a generation that uses the Internet to buy virtually everything from cars to diapers.

I.P.O.D.ers as Political Activists

According to a study by Greenberg and Pachatussan, I.P.O.D.ers are more wedded to progressive, political and social views than to a given party. They tend to favor forward moving solutions and are eager for change. These are the essential ingredients of a generation that is post-ideological, post-partisan and post-political. The 44 million I.P.O.D.ers representing 21% of the electorate, will show their newly found political power this November 4th by voting for the presidential candidate who has sufficiently convinced them that they have a well thought out position on the issues that matter to them such as; illegal immigration, energy, the environment, gas prices, healthcare and real solutions to the most challenging economic crisis since the Great Depression that we now face.

This is a generation that has embraced the use of technology to stay in touch with the issues they are concerned about and the candidates' stance on these issues. According to a recently published study by the Harvard Institute of Political Surveys, 63% of I.P.O.D.ers have a feedback account, 26% use Facebook to promote their favorite candidate and 18% share or forward video online to promote political candidates of their choice. They are in effect seeking a candidate that they can relate to, partner with, and one who will listen to them and engage them in an ongoing dialogue on the important issues they consider critical to their future.

The future of American politics will never be the same. The I.P.O.D.ers are poised to become the conscience of this nation. Their favorite candidate today may not be their choice four years from now. Their only loyalty is to ideas and solutions. If they don't see results and a movement away from the status quo, they will influence others with their phones and use the power of the internet to ensure that other I.P.O.D.ers are keenly aware of their views. And then, they will speak with a voice that's compelling and focused on the most important matters of our time through their votes.

So, look around you, America. The future has finally arrived and it's our children: the I.P.O.Ders.

Dr. Benjamin Ola. Akande is dean of The School of Business and Technology at Webster University in St. Louis.

SOURCE Webster University