Instant message yes, landline no

Since everyone and their uncle have been taking a shot at predicting the digital future, why not include someone who actually has some expertise in the subject? USC's Jeffrey Cole told the American Magazine Conference in Phoenix that most 12-24-year-olds will never read a print-edition newspaper or own a landline phone. They rely on instant messaging and think e-mail is for their parents.

The good news: Cole, director of the school's Center for the Digital Future, said print-edition newspapers have a long-term future - we're talking decades, not years (the Ad Age account of his speech doesn't offer particulars on how this will happen). He also believes that the popularity of social networking sites will be hit and miss. "Teenage online communities are like nightclubs, and when the uncool kids, or even worse, their parents, learn about it, they are out of there. It is fundamental part of teen nature to be a pioneer, and constant movement is a fact of life with teens in online communities," he said.