Well...I am 16. Unfortunately, I have to say I am part of this "generation" that listens to the crappiest music ever. Not a day goes by where I don't end up in arguments with my peers about how horrible the music that is being played on most radio is.
Here's a funny story...this kid kept bothering me about "how much Pink Floyd sucks". To shut him up, I burned him a copy of Dark Side of the Moon. Since then, he hasn't said much anymore about it. It's funny how much you like good music once you bother listen to it, isn't it?
As for downloading music, this is the way i see it: If they were TRUE musicians, they would consider it an honor that so many people are listening to them. But they are only in it for the money... as if they don't have enough already.
In my opinion, music started to head downhill once the 90's hit. Once Kurt Cobain blew his brains out, good music officially ended.
(on the TV next to me right now, Godsmack is the musical guest on MadTV. GOD they suck.)