The main difference between digital natives and digital immigrants is that digital natives are those who have grown up in the information age, while digital immigrants are those who have grown up before the information age, typically before the invention of the internet.
Digital natives and digital immigrants are two contrasting terms coined by Marc Prensky in 2001. These describe people or generations based on their familiarity with digital technologies.
Key Areas Covered
1. Who are Digital Natives
– Definition, Features
2. Who are Digital Immigrants
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants
Who are Digital Natives
Digital natives are people who have grown up in the information age. Marc Prensky coined this term in 2001 to describe the generation of people who grew up in the era of information technology, including computers and the internet. Digital natives can consume digital information quickly and comfortably using various devices and platforms. In other words, they are very familiar with smartphones, tablets, and social media. For them, technology is an essential part of their lives.
Many children and teenagers, especially those in developed countries, are digital natives. They mostly learn and communicate using computers, mobile phones, social networking sites, and texting. Digital natives often include millennials (born between 1980 and 2000), generation Z (born after 2000), and generation alpha (born after 2010).
Digital natives often get priority in the hiring process, especially in IT and technical jobs. They can bring many new ideas into the workplace. Due to their familiarity with social media and digital technologies, social media has become an integral part of marketing for many businesses.
Who are Digital Immigrants
Digital immigrants are people raised before the digital age. They did not grow up in the age of computers and the internet. Therefore, they had to adapt to the new life brought in by digital technologies. It was Marc Prensky who coined the name digital immigrants in 2001. Generally, people belonging to generation X and boomers and those born prior to them are digital immigrants. If we look at a particular year, those born before 1985 are considered to be digital immigrants. Digital immigrants are the opposite of digital natives. Generally, digital immigrants are supposed to be less technically able compared to digital natives. Moreover, some argue that digital immigrants cannot develop the technical knowledge and skills as digital natives. But sometimes, digital immigrants can surpass digital natives in technological knowledge.
Although we can easily categorize people as digital natives and immigrants, this categorization is somewhat controversial. This is based on the assumption that early exposure to technology changes the way people learn and work. Moreover, the introduction of computers and the internet to society did not occur at once throughout the world. Therefore, teenagers in a developing country may not be as technologically savvy as those in a developed country. There can also be a difference in the demarcation of the age limits for natives and immigrants in developed and developing countries.
Difference Between Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants
Definition
Digital natives are people who have grown up in the information age, while digital immigrants are people who have grown up before the digital age.
People
Digital natives often include millennials, generation Z, and generation alpha, while digital immigrants include generation X, boomers, and generations prior to that.
Technological Skills and Knowledge
Generally, digital natives have better technological knowledge and skills than digital immigrants as they have grown up with technology. Therefore, they are more familiar with computers, smartphones, and the internet.
Type of Learners
Digital natives tend to be intuitive learners, while digital immigrants tend to be logical learners.
Work
While digital natives multi-task and rapidly switch tasks, digital immigrants usually focus on one task at a time.
Conclusion
The main difference between digital natives and digital immigrants is that digital natives have grown up with digital technology, whereas digital immigrants have grown up before the age of digital technology. Therefore, most digital natives are more familiar with computers, mobile phones, the internet, and social media than digital immigrants.
Reference:
1. Gillis, Alexander S. “What Is Digital Native?” WhatIs.com, TechTarget, 9 June 2020.
2. “What Is a Digital Immigrant?” Techopedia.com, 29 Dec. 2011.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Technology-laptop-keyboard-computer” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Photo of hand, man, technology, old, phone, alcohol, senior, sense” (CC0) via Pxhere
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