Guardian Unlimited Observer | UK News | Thumbs are the new fingers for the GameBoy generation thumbs are the new fingers.'
In Japan, the trend was particularly marked. Plant even found the under-25s referred to themselves as oya yubi sedai - the thumb generation, or thumb tribe.
As their thumbs become stronger and more dexterous, Plant found that the thumb tribe is using its favourite digit for other tasks that are traditionally the finger's job, such as pointing at things or ringing doorbells.