Digital Natives Revealed

Anyone born after 1990 is now described as a Digital Native.  This term, coined by educator Marc Prensky in 2001, describes a generation immersed in interactive technology.  All facets of digital native life is dependent upon the Internet, mobile technologies and social media.  It is an instant existence that reaches education, entertainment and employment while enabling personal communication and philosophical beliefs.

But are Digital Natives as predominant as professed by Prensky and others?  Are Digital Natives found globally?  What factors, beyond when one was born, influence true digital native status?  For instance, Google an article called Young People Are Not as Digitally Native as You Think.  This New York Times article might surprise you.

Social Media and its Global Importance

As an introduction to the global impact of social media, it is critical to comprehend why social media hold such a relevant position in our lives.  Perhaps the following article on Instagram and social media envy is a good place to start.