Do digital natives exist? (Rewrite)

The rapid nature of change in technology is proving to become a difficulty for many in the world today. As technology has changed, there has been changes in the way that it is used in daily life, bringing into question the ability of older generations to adapt to a new era of technology.

Research in the past has brought about different terms for explaining the seemingly wide gap between users of technology. Those exposed to technology from a young age, or those born into the digital world are viewed as being "digital natives", in contrast to those who may be seen as "digital immigrants", having to learn to use technology for the first time at a much older age. (Prensky,2001)

I have seen this gap even in my own family, with older generations struggling to keep up with new changes in technology and having to have it explained to them by their kids and grandkids, who are well versed in the digital age. In reality, technology is changing the way that we communicate, and people of all ages need to learn how to adapt to that. However, rather than simply generational differences, Timothy Van Slyke provides reason to believe that access to technology, interest, willingness to learn and culture can also influence a person's ability to use the technology available. (VanSlyke,2003)

In a more recent article, Prensky also alludes to the importance of adapting to technology in order to become "digitally wise”. Such a term can be used cross generationally, shifting the focus from age based technological ability to wisdom based technological ability (Prensky,2009). Further research has also shown that there is no statistically significant difference in ICT scores between digital natives and digital immigrants, proving that there is more to the issue than age. (Petrina, 2008)

In order for society to reach its full potential using technology, age based barriers must be broken, and all people should be empowered to use technology to shape communication and benefit societal advancement.

References:

Petrina, S (2008). Digital natives, digital immigrants: an analysis of age and ICT competency in teacher education. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Stephen_Petrina/publication/253603266_Digital_Natives_Digital_Immigrants_An_Analysis_of_Age_and_ICT_Competency_in_Teacher_Education/links/54238e820cf238c6ea6e445f/Digital-Natives-Digital-Immigrants-An-Analysis-of-Age-and-ICT-Competency-in-Teacher-Education.pdf (Oct 5, 2017)

Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants part 1. On the Horizon, 9(5), 1-6. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy2.acu.edu.au/docview/214629645?accountid=8194

Prensky, M. (2009). H. sapiens digital: From digital immigrants and digital natives to digital wisdom. Innovate 5 (3). http://www.innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=705 (retrieved 3 September 2017).

VanSlyke, T. (2017). The Technology Source Archives - Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants: Some Thoughts from the Generation Gap. Technologysource.org. Retrieved 3 September 2017, from http://technologysource.org/article/digital_natives_digital_immigrants/

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