It is true, the younger generation, myself included (although I am not GAO) have an obsession with my phone. I feel completely "lost" without it. It has gotten me out of so many binds, Sometimes I catch myself wondering how did I ever function without it? But, there was a time when I did. I realize now though, students these days never have.
I agree with the authors claims that Generation A O will have difficulty in focusing (I have had classes with 6 ADHD diagnosed children at one time) along with the many others that have not. Students have lost the ability to persist through long and difficult answers, asking me instead, "Teacher just google it and tell us the answer". Students are less interested in face-to-face communication, they would rather "just text" each other.
Another major negative factor that this article did not mention, but is critical, especially since it is relevant to this program goal, is the sedentary life that "GAO" lives. With all the time spent on mobile devices and in a "virtual world" be it gaming, chatting, or research, less time is spent being physical fit which leads to many diseases and illness.