Digital Native Age Groups

A discussion about how different generations interact with technology based on when they were first exposed to computers and digital media.

Generation Classification by Tech Exposure

• Original Digital Natives (Current 30-40 year olds)

  • Got computers/internet around 5th-6th grade
  • Comfortable with computers but still learning video
  • More hesitant with on-camera presence

• Video Natives (Current Gen Z)

  • Grew up with cameras in their hands
  • Natural comfort with being on camera
  • Strong video editing abilities
  • No fear of filming in public
  • Example: Comfortable doing TikTok dances in airports

Key Differences in Tech Behavior

• Camera Comfort

  • Older generations: Uncomfortable talking to camera
  • Young people: Natural comfort filming themselves
  • Young people willing to film in public spaces

• Communication Style

  • Older users: Text-based responses on apps like Snapchat
  • Younger users: Reply with photos/videos instead of text
  • Different phone gestures (old vs new hand signals)

Trade-offs

• Benefits of Video Native Generation

  • Better at creating content
  • Strong editing skills
  • Natural on camera presence
  • Understanding of social media

• Downsides

  • Higher rates of anxiety
  • More social pressure
  • Different social dynamics

This represents a fundamental shift in how different generations interact with and understand technology based on their first exposure age.