Digital natives are people who grew up with technology and are proficient in using modern devices, like today's kids. Digital immigrants are older users who grew up without today's technology and find it harder to learn new innovations. The terms were coined by Mark Prensky to describe different levels of digital literacy based on age and experience with technology over time, though some see the labels as controversial. The definitions can help technology developers create products that appeal to both digital native and digital immigrant users.

1. Team Think
Week 25
Digital Natives & Digital Immigrants

2. What is Digital Natives &
Digital Immigrants
• The terms “digital natives” and “digital immigrants”
comes from “Mark Prensky”. He coined the term in
one of his papers he wrote.
• The term is used to describe how digitally literate a
user can be.
“Immigants! I knew it
was them! Even when it
was the bears I knew it
was them.” - Moe

3. Digital Natives
• The term “digital native” means that the user is quite
modern/young and who grew up in the digital
world.
• A great example of digital natives would be the
current generation of kids growing up.
• Kids these days are extremely technically capable,
young children as old as 2 can use devices such as
the iPad with ease.
• These children grow up with technology and the
internet and are quite proficient with using it.

4. Digital Immigrants
• The term “digital immigrant” is used to describe a
user who has not grown up using todays technology
and has “immigrated” to using it.
• An example of a digital immigrant would be the
previous generation of people.
• People who have not grown up accustomed to the
Internet or with technology in general.
• Digital immigrant users are often have a more
difficult time learning new technologies and getting
accustomed to new innovations.
• These users prefer traditional media as opposed to
new media.

5. Controversy
• The terms are quite controversial as many people
often take offence at them.
• The term even sparked online debates.
• I personally believe the terms are quite useful
especially to people creating new services and
devices.
• The terms can help developers shape user
experience to both types of users.
• To gain the most market possible new devices and
services must be made for both digital immigrants
and digital natives.

6. Thanks for viewing!