{"id":12497,"date":"2011-12-21T10:42:17","date_gmt":"2011-12-21T10:42:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/digital-native\/"},"modified":"2024-07-24T12:37:16","modified_gmt":"2024-07-24T12:37:16","slug":"digital-native","status":"publish","type":"definition","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/28094\/digital-native","title":{"rendered":"Digital Native"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span id=\"who_is_a_digital_native\">Who is a Digital Native?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A digital native is someone who was born after the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/23371\/digital-revolution\">widespread adoption of digital technology<\/a>, like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2419\/internet\">Internet<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4607\/computer\">computers<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/23586\/mobile-device\">mobile devices<\/a> and was exposed to technology at an early age.<\/p>\n<p>Not all children born today are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/604\/digital-definition\">digital<\/a> natives by default; interacting regularly with technology at a young age is the deciding factor. This exposure to technology in the early years is believed to give digital natives a greater familiarity with and understanding of technology than people who were born before it was widespread.<\/p>\n<p>This familiarity extends to various digital tools, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/accounting\/best-accounting-software\">accounting software<\/a>, which many digital natives find easy to use for managing finances efficiently.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Digital-Native-2-300x188.jpg\" alt=\"Who is a Digital Native?\" width=\"1200\" height=\"751\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-285246\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Digital-Native-2-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Digital-Native-2-1024x641.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Digital-Native-2-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Digital-Native-2-1536x962.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Digital-Native-2-1200x751.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Digital-Native-2-1980x1239.jpg 1980w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Digital-Native-2.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#dddddd;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#F7F7F7;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<h2><span id=\"key_takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Digital natives are people born after the widespread adoption of digital technology and who were exposed to tech at an early age.<\/li>\n<li>Mark Prensky first popularized the phrase &#8220;digital native&#8221; in 2001, arguing that young people need media-rich learning environments to retain their attention.<\/li>\n<li>Digital natives include Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and other groups based on the extent of exposure to technology.<\/li>\n<li>Digital natives are comfortable using digital devices, are individualistic, can multitask or switch tasks quickly, and are realistic.<\/li>\n<li>They have influenced the workplace through social media, innovative ideas, cloud adoption, and changing software application delivery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"history_of_digital_natives\">History of Digital Natives<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Marc Prensky, an educational consultant, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marcprensky.com\/writing\/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">first popularized the phrase &#8220;digital native&#8221; in 2001<\/a>, arguing that the speed at which new technologies are adopted and then quickly abandoned is changing how students process information.<\/p>\n<p>Prensky believed that young people need media-rich learning environments to retain their attention.<\/p>\n<p>He later preferred &#8220;digital wisdom&#8221;, while others argued that labels oversimplify differences.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"digital_natives_groups\">Digital Natives Groups<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Digital natives can be grouped into different age categories and categories based on the extent of their exposure to technology.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some digital native <strong>groups based on age categories<\/strong>:<br \/>\n<div class=\"su-accordion su-u-trim\">\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Generation Z (born mid-1990s to early 2010s)<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> Early adopters of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2977\/smartphone\">smartphones<\/a>, high-speed Internet, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4837\/social-media\">social media<\/a>.\u00a0 <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Generation Alpha (born the early 2010s to mid-2020s)<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> Born into a pretty much fully-fledged technological society, with aspects like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/28247\/internet-of-things-iot\">Internet of Things<\/a> (IoT), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/190\/artificial-intelligence-ai\">Artificial Intelligence<\/a> (AI), and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/31463\/smart-device\">smart devices<\/a> being the norm, making them highly dependent on technology for education and entertainment.<br \/>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nOther digital native groups include those <strong>based on the extent of exposure<\/strong>:<br \/>\n<div class=\"su-accordion su-u-trim\">\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Early Childhood Digital Natives (Ages 0-5)<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> These children are exposed to tech at very young ages, with the use of tablets and smartphones for educational <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2953\/mobile-application-mobile-app\">apps<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/24261\/mobile-games\">digital games<\/a>.\u00a0 <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>School-Age Digital Natives (Ages 6-12)<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> Tech is being used for school and entertainment, so these children are very comfortable with online learning platforms, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/gaming\">gaming<\/a>, and social media for socializing.\u00a0 <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Teen Digital Natives<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> Teenage digital natives rely on smartphones to do pretty much everything: socialize, relax, learn, and play. They often <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/3138\/user-generated-content-ugc\">create their own content<\/a> to participate in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/15504\/virtual-community\">online communities<\/a>.\u00a0 <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Young Adult Digital Natives<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> Technology is used for work, education, and social interactions. These digital natives are comfortable working in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/digital-workplace\">digital workplaces<\/a> and adjust quickly to new tech.\u00a0 <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"digital_native_characteristics\">Digital Native Characteristics<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Digital natives:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Are comfortable using digital <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2185\/device\">devices<\/a>. These devices are used both for leisure and as a requirement in educational or work settings.<\/li>\n<li>Are generally individualistic.<\/li>\n<li>Can multitask or switch tasks quickly, as needed.<\/li>\n<li>Are realistic, focusing more on their reality due to economic uncertainty and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Children today are more likely to be familiar with the terminology of the digital world. This isn&#8217;t to say they will intuitively understand <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/13128\/programming\">computer programming<\/a> or how a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5537\/network\">network<\/a> transmits <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/807\/data\">data<\/a>. They will, however, be better placed to understand these technologies as they will have seen them in action many times.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"digital_natives_vs_digital_immigrants\">Digital Natives vs. Digital Immigrants<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Controversy surrounds the concept of digital natives, with many teachers being <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/28139\/digital-immigrant\">digital immigrants<\/a> who were exposed to technology later in life. Some argue that digital natives need to be taught differently due to their early exposure to technology and their accustomed use of technology for repetitive tasks.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Key Differences Between Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-tabs su-tabs-style-default su-tabs-mobile-stack su-tabs-vertical\" data-active=\"1\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-tabs-nav\"><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><strong>Learning Styles<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><strong>Problem-Solving Approaches<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><strong>Communication Preferences<\/strong><\/span><\/div><div class=\"su-tabs-panes\"><div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Learning Styles&lt;\/strong&gt;\">\n<p>Digital natives prefer to learn in a multimedia learning environment. Digital immigrants might be more comfortable in a traditional teaching setting, in text-based or lecture-based instruction.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Problem-Solving Approaches&lt;\/strong&gt;\">\n<p>Digital natives immediately turn to technology to solve any problem, while digital immigrants are more likely to rely on traditional methods.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Communication Preferences&lt;\/strong&gt;\">\n<p>Digital natives tend to use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/402\/instant-message-im\">instant messaging<\/a>, social media, and other digital communication tools. Digital immigrants often prefer face-to-face communication, such as phone calls or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/24803\/electronic-mail-e-mail\">emails<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"digital_natives_impact_on_the_labor_market\">Digital Natives&#8217; Impact on the Labor Market<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Organizations must understand and leverage the strengths of the digitally native workforce to adapt to the digital age. Integrating this generation into the larger workforce can help create a corporate culture that values lifelong learning, embraces technological advances, and thrives in a digital environment.<br \/>\n<div class=\"su-accordion su-u-trim\">\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Constant Connection<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> The digital-born generation values being connected and expects a smooth transition between personal and professional digital interactions \u2013 which is why employers must invest in strong <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/24962\/cellular-network\">mobile networks<\/a> and platforms. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Flexible Working<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> One key feature of the digitally native workforce is a preference for flexible working arrangements. Businesses must invest in mobile applications and collaboration tools that support <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/remote-work-statistics\">remote work<\/a>. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Security and Privacy<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> The digitally native workforce prioritizes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/7\/29803\/security\/what-is-the-difference-between-privacy-confidentiality-and-security\">security and privacy<\/a>, so firms must implement effective security protocols. This includes using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/30687\/mobile-application-security\">secure mobile applications<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5507\/encryption\">encrypting<\/a> communication channels, and implementing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/30187\/device-management\">device management<\/a> techniques. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Tech Autonomy<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> Allowing the digitally native workforce to choose their own <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/626\/information-technology-it\">IT<\/a> equipment ensures it aligns with their specific tech preferences.\u00a0 <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"digital_natives_in_the_business_world\">Digital Natives in the Business World<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Digital natives are known for making several important contributions to the workplace, including:<br \/>\n<div class=\"su-accordion su-u-trim\">\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Social Media Influence<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> Because digital natives are so familiar with it, social media has become a key <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/26363\/online-marketing\">marketing<\/a> tool. A strong social media strategy is crucial for building great brand recognition. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Innovative Ideas<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> Digital natives can bring new ideas to the workplace. Younger workers can offer fresh perspectives and ideas to a company, like new technologies or ways to set up the workplace. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Adoption of the Cloud<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> Digital natives are often credited with pushing for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2\/cloud-computing\">cloud<\/a> adoption. From a consumer point of view, digital natives saw the benefits of the cloud and supported the move to cloud platforms. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Smartphone Usage Impact<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> As digital natives use smartphones more often, the way software applications are delivered to consumers has changed. The term &#8216;application&#8217; used to mean desktop apps, but now it also means mobile apps because younger generations use mobile devices. Also, as digital natives got used to certain interfaces, they developed a skill for understanding small cues in graphic design. <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"digital_native_challenges_and_opportunities\">Digital Native Challenges and Opportunities<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"su-row\"><div class=\"su-column su-column-size-1-2\"><div class=\"su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<strong>Challenges<\/strong><br \/>\n<div class=\"su-list\" style=\"margin-left:0px\">\n<ul>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> Digital natives are constantly bombarded with information from various sources, making it hard to focus.<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> Growing up online means digital natives are more likely to share personal information, raising privacy concerns.<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> With easy access to technology, digital natives are at a higher risk of developing addictive behaviors related to social media, gaming, and other online activities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-column su-column-size-1-2 pros_icons_\"><div class=\"su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<strong>Opportunities<\/strong><br \/>\n<div class=\"su-list\" style=\"margin-left:0px\">\n<ul>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-remove\" style=\"color:#e31f28\"><\/i> Digital natives are naturally good at using technology, which means they can quickly learn new tools and adapt to technological changes.<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-remove\" style=\"color:#e31f28\"><\/i> Familiarity with digital tools allows digital natives to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to problems.<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-remove\" style=\"color:#e31f28\"><\/i> The Internet allows digital natives to work remotely, network globally, and exchange cultures digitally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"the_bottom_line\">The Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The digital native definition revolves around someone who was exposed to technology from an early age, making them adept at understanding and navigating new technologies.<\/p>\n<p>Digital natives tend to thrive in today&#8217;s workforce, as they find it easy to pick up new tools and interfaces required for their jobs.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"man_faq_sec\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\"><\/time><section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is digital native in simple terms?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">The digital native meaning centers on someone who has been exposed to technology from a young age, making them capable of quickly learning new technologies. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What are examples of digital natives?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Digital natives include certain generations (Gen Z and Gen Alpha) who were born into technology being widespread. They can also include groups that aren&#8217;t of a specific age but fall under groups based on the extent of their exposure, like early childhood, school-age, teenage, and young adult digital natives. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">Why are Gen Z called digital natives?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Gen Z are called digital natives because they were born right when smartphones, high-speed Internet, and social media took off \u2013 they were the early adopters. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What best describes a digital native?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">A digital native is a person who was born after the widespread adoption of digital technology, like the Internet, computers, and mobile devices, and was exposed to this technology from a young age. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<div class=\"reference-content\">\n<div class=\"reference-heading reference-content-collapsible-heading\">\n<h2><span id=\"references\">References<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"reference-content-body\">\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marcprensky.com\/writing\/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants<\/a> (Marcprensky)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Who is a Digital Native? A digital native is someone who was born after the widespread adoption of digital technology, like the Internet, computers, and mobile devices and was exposed to technology at an early age. Not all children born today are digital natives by default; interacting regularly with technology at a young age is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":286576,"featured_media":285245,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"definitioncat":[245],"class_list":["post-12497","definition","type-definition","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","definitioncat-internet"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.2 (Yoast SEO v24.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Who is a Digital Native? 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