Digital Natives: Everything You Need To Know About Them

It is undeniable that technology is now a part of our everyday lives and enables us to handle a lot of tasks. Just a few years ago, that was not the case. We were not so dependent on the technology to do everyday things and many were forced to adapt to this. Others were born into the digital world and are known as “digital natives”.

By digital natives we mean the generation that grew up in the technological age. It has made them very talented and comfortable in the digital environment. Want to know more about them? Here we tell all about this phenomenon.

What are digital natives?

Mark Prensky, author and educator, introduced the term “digital natives”. He did this to refer to people who were born during and after the 90s, who grew up in a world where technology was of great importance in society. It has given them better skills and ability to use digital tools and devices.

However, digital natives sometimes have too much dependence on technology because they use it for everything: studies, communication, shopping, entertainment, information, etc.

The cognitive structure of digital natives is unique. In working life, these people often have different values ​​than the older generation. Therefore, there are many companies that take specific account of this generation’s capabilities and characteristics and employ them to improve the company’s productivity. In other words, they are exploiting the potential of these digital experts.

6 things to know about digital natives

Nowadays we are surrounded by technology. We do not exist without our phones, tablets, computers and without the internet… Technology has become something essential in our lives, something that was unthinkable a few years ago.

Let’s look at some of the specific features and characteristics of digital natives.

Digital natives usually have very high intuition and logical reasoning

They are used to relating concepts to actions, so they are always looking for a reason for what they do or see. All of this also promotes learning in certain areas, specifically science and technology, programming, robotics, artificial intelligence, etc. This is because they need the logical thinking, which they have developed, to find the solution to all the challenges they face, in order to perform this type of activity.

They have to interact to learn – it is not enough for them to memorize things

When they study , they need feedback to know if they have done it correctly. Therefore, the best method for digital natives is to learn by feeling involved in the subject. They need to participate through activities and challenges that make them think that what they are studying is useful and fun.

Digital natives are self-taught and like to create content

These children usually do not seek out adults when they have a question. Instead , they go online and look for answers to their questions. They are children who stay very well informed. In a few seconds, they can meet their need for knowledge through this medium.

They are also very good at creating interesting content, game guides, YouTube channels, among many other things. This is especially the case when they get older.

They have a much more open mind

As they have grown up with technology around them, they realize that there are no boundaries and they communicate with people from many different places. This generation explores a myriad of cultures, customs and ideas while interacting in various forums, websites, online games, etc.

They usually have friends from different parts of the world and that gives them a much more open mind and a less traditional way of thinking.

Digital natives are very active on social networks

These digital natives are not just involved in a social network – they are involved in a whole plethora. In addition, they navigate them with ease. These are children who are constantly connected to the world via the internet. In addition, they feel a need to share everything they go through on these social networks.

This is something that can worry parents. Their online presence must be monitored very carefully as the misuse of social networks can lead to problems.

Digital natives are often more impatient

Because the results on the internet and social media are practically immediate, these children are used to getting things with immediate effect. They think they can get everything they want right away, just like in the digital environment. They can download movies, songs and books with the click of a button, play games and find all the information they are looking for.

It is important that we emphasize the importance of effort and patience in their lives. These are two basic values ​​for success.

In short, digital natives are children of the technological generation. Therefore, they have some special characteristics compared to those who grew up without technology and who have been forced to adapt.

They were born when technology was already an important part of everyday life. Therefore, their way of thinking and behaving has a lot to do with it.