Characteristics of a Digital Native

Way they find information:  Instead of using a library card, digital natives are more apt to find information quicker via internet search engines (i.e., google, yahoo).  Advantage, digital natives can search to get information quickly.  Disadvantage, digital natives have to beware of mis-information.

Way they show their identity:  Instead of only defining their identity by the clothes they wear and the crowd they hang out with at school, digital natives can create an identity digitally.  Advantage, digital natives can create (and recreate) their digital identity and explore others that have similar identities.  Disadvantage, digital natives could find a group with a negative impact on their identity.  If I was a parent, I would want to be well aware of forums, blogs, and groups my children are apart of.

Way they socialize:  Not only can digital natives consistently communicate to friends and family, they are able to meet new people with all over the globe.  Advantage, digital natives will have a bigger social network, and therefore a greater social support.  Disadvantage, digital natives could communicate with dangerous people.  Children/teens need to be very aware of the dangers of meeting ‘strangers’ online.

I still remember floppy disks… so I believe I am on the cusp of the digital native generation.  I worry more for the future generation.  Education needs to a big push early on to ensure the safety of these new digital natives.