It’s true that the two phrases digital native and digital nomad both are to do with the advancement of technology and people’s ability to use this technology, but they refer to two completely different concepts. The term digital native implies a person’s familiarity and comfort level with computers and the internet, whereas the term digital nomad refers to a nomad lifestyle of a person working remotely. Therefore, the difference between digital native and digital nomad is that a digital native is someone raised with digital technology and familiar with it, whereas a digital nomad is someone who works remotely while spending traveling around the world.
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Who is a Digital Native?
A digital native is a person born and brought up in the age of digital technology and is familiar with computers and the internet from childhood. Most children and teenagers who grow up today in developed countries are digital natives because they know the internet and smart devices like phones, laptops, and tablets, and social media networks like the back of their hand. Generally, millennials (people born between 1980 and 2000) are considered to be the first generation of digital natives. The term ‘digital native’ was coined by Marc Prensky in 2001 to describe people growing up in the era of technology, including the internet and computer. He further described digital natives as “all “native speakers” of the digital language of computers, video games, and the internet.”
There are two other terms you have to know when talking about digital natives:
Digital Immigrants: Digital immigrants are the opposite of digital natives. They are the people who were born before the invention of computers and the internet and have to adapt to this technology.
Digital Refugees: Digital refugees are the people whose livelihoods and lives have been disrupted by the advance in information technology, artificial intelligence, and automation.
Who is a Digital Nomad?
Digital nomads are people who use technology to work remotely and travel around the world. They often live a location-independent lifestyle, which means they can live anywhere in the world. They can travel anywhere and everywhere, as long as they have access to a stable internet connection. In fact, the best thing about being a digital nomad is the ability to travel without restrictions.
Some digital nomads have an entrepreneurial mindset and want to make money from their skills. Others just want to explore the world while working on their own projects.
Read more about different types of digital nomads
Relationship Between Digital Native and Digital Nomad
- Both are familiar with the internet and computers and work with them.
- They use technology to make their lives easier and better.
- Digital natives are more likely to be digital nomads than digital natives.
Difference Between Digital Native and Digital Nomad
| Digital Native | Digital Nomad |
|---|---|
| A digital native is a person born and brought up in the age of digital technology and is familiar with computers and the internet from an early age. | A digital nomad is someone who uses technology to work remotely and travel around the world. |
| This term refers to a person’s familiarity and comfort level with computers and the internet. | This term refers to the nomadic lifestyle of a person working remotely. |
| Digital natives are relatively young, usually millennials and younger generations. | Digital nomads can be any age, but they tend to be younger (people in their 20s and 30s). |
Conclusion: Digital Native vs Digital Nomad
A digital native is a person raised with digital technology and familiar with it, whereas a digital nomad is a person who works remotely while spending traveling around the world. Generally, digital natives are more likely to be digital nomads than digital immigrants. This is because of their familiarity and comfort with technology.