ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates many of the more interesting aspects of growing up gifted, immersed in a culture of social media. Although it is true that every generation of children grows up with a different confluence of historical influences than the previous generation, the current generation of students with gifts and talents (SWGT) has matured during a unique time in which they have been immersed within an electronic social network. The new paradigm allows for friendships to be made based on interest and passion. Through the use of technology (computers and phones), increasing numbers of SWGT communicate with a vast array of people with ease. The corollary to the feeling of connectedness among SWGT is a feeling of control—control of who, how, and when they interact with others. For many, this feeling generalizes to their global sense of control and agency—the sense that they can directly affect their future. Agency is important to success as a student.
