Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Are you a digital immigrant?

The ever-intriguing Media Post published an article about the divisions within the digital world. This is not the usual "digital divide" we hear of, the "haves and have-nots" issue that gets press. Instead, this addresses the division between the "Digital Natives" [DNs] and "Digital Immigrants" [DIs].

The article states that the two groups are divided by experience and sophistication. Age usually plays the biggest role, as it does here. [The kids get it.] The people in high school and college are the focus; they are using email the least of all of the digital technologies. In a world of SMS text, Twitter, and IM, it is no wonder--communications are simple, near instant, and convenient. Especially convenient as all three of these are available on most mobile phones. Rarely are the next generation more than a few moments from e-communication.

Highly recommended reading.

1 comment:

Lisa said...

Ah -- the article even highlights the inimitable Mr. McLuhan.