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A New York Times article recently talked about "The Youngest Technorati", detailing the lives of some American teens who develop apps, attend TED and SXSW conferences, take on high-paid tech Internships, and have "the college-or-not debate".

The New York Times: The Youngest Technorati

It's an interesting look at how technology and the opportunities of the app economy have changed what it means to be a teen for some kids. The idea of being an entrepreneur and making your own career is a distinct Millennial trait and one that is clearly affecting the next generation as well, perhaps even more profoundly. Starting your own business at 17, 15, or even 10, is becoming more common in North America and throughout the world. Kids understand branding, digital products, and even coding at a young age, and the tools offered to them to propel their own business – like Square, Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, or YouTube – are accessible and easy-to-use for anyone, but particularly powerful if you're a digital native who grew up on smartphones and tablets. The Internet has brought a mass retail environment to every individual who has a product to offer it, now more than ever with the global growth of smartphone adoption. And teens are gravitating towards the chance.

Young people have propelled the digital economy now for some time. From Facebook to Google, some of the most profitable and desirable companies in the world were founded in the dorm room. What's interesting is how these entrepreneurs are getting younger today. And how mobile apps and the global growth in digital content is driving the opportunities. Just look to teens like Bethany Mota. Bethany started putting her own fashion and beauty videos on YouTube at only 15. Now at 17 years old, she has over 2 million subscribers on YouTube, her own fashion line at Aeropostale, and is a regular on Nickelodeon's AwesomenessTV. That's an incredible career achievement for anyone, let alone a high school senior.

YouTube star, Aeropostale designer, and AwesomenessTV host, Bethany Mota

Time will tell what kind of impact on the world this next generation is going to have. But what is clear is that in today's app economy are accessible digital tools, a voracious global audience, and teens who understand them both unlike never before.