Next Gen Native

So I am apparently a Digital native. Something i just learned. What would you think Digital Native meant if you saw it? Would you think that you are a digital native? Native of digital world. A media infested world. As far as being a Native, well yes technically I grew up with a computer and was taught to use it from a young age. I learnt the basics of Using mouse skills and keyboard skills and i looked at software by 8 years old. So as i grow up, my experience grows with my hunger for knowledge and i become extremely literate in using a laptop and connecting the internet. Now though, you must know how to consume and contribute on the internet.

How do i feel about being a digital native? Im glad. I know how to use a variety of technologies and in most situations. Think how much cell phones and GPS machines help in emergencies. I would much rather be confident on how to use it in case I found myself in this situatuion.

We are leaving behind another generation however. As we move forward with our Iphones and Laptops, our parents and grandparents are being left to their own devices in an everchanging society. For example, sending a text is something I do nearly 30 times a day but my grandma would be lucky if she knew how to answer a phone call. We, as natives, are helping the former generation understand the very core basics and for this, they are reffered to as "Digital Immigrants." They are coming into our world of technology and trying to understand. They are immigrating. The way my Dad puts how he feels about Media moving is with this... "How many remotes did i have in my house in 1972? One. Thats all. Now for some reason, we have 8 in this house. Ridiculous."
Well of course we have 8. We have a TV, DVD player, Cable box, Blu-Ray player, Stereo surround sound and more. Our houses are slowly becoming more and more technologically advanced too. Automatic garage doors seem a distant idea compared to voice activated house controls or self cleaning carpets.

Whether we like it or not, Technology is becoming a much as our life as our right arm is. Its changing.

We are different. We can change. We are Digital Natives. We were Born Digital.