With zero doubt and no sugar coating, the statement “distinct generations interact with technology in a different way” is a fact.
For a better comparison, just factor in the basic fact about how it used to be a norm to knock on the neighbour’s door to get some sugar and salt and most probably your grandmother still does this.
But today, the entire bag of sugar can be delivered to your doorstep with just a few clicks on the grocery app.
All this has become possible owing to the development of technology. WIFI and broadband connection are also a part of this technological revolution that has transformed every aspect of our life.
Digital generation – an overview
You can look at digital generation from different aspects. As a singular view, the digital generation may be looked upon as people who were born in or raised in the digital age. They received modern-age technology and got widespread access to tablets, smartphones, personal computers, and others.
Writers of “Digital Generations” – Rebekah Willett and David Buckingham in their book discuss the premise and opportunities the technology beholds for the current generations. In this book – it was made clear that irrespective of the amount of digital exposure we are all living in a world which is digital first.
However, the amount to which every individual is willing and comfortable to embrace technology can be based on when they came into this world.
- Gen Alpha – born between 2010 and the present day
- Gen Z – born between 1995 and 2010
- Millennial – born between 1980 and 1995
- Gen X – born between 1965 and 1980
- Baby boomers – born between 1945 – 1965
- Silent traditionalist – born between 1925 and 1945
Digital immigrant anatomy
Digital immigrants were raised in the era before the globe turned towards a tech society. They had seen a globe before the internet was in existence, to when it started rising and also have seen younger generations adapting to the change in technology.
Digital immigrants basically include – Silent traditionalists, Baby boomers and Gen X.
Incorporating technology into their regular lives isn’t so inherent for such digital generations. They had to learn to cope with the digital-first generation and, at times, were sceptical of what they were doing and oftentimes factored in the old-school techniques and solutions rather than accepting the new waves of digital convenience.
Let’s go back to the example of sugar and salt, and digital immigrants may first think to approach the neighbour’s door for the goods they require vs ordering their requirements online.
Usually, digital immigrants are slower to leverage the internet into their daily life and, even at times, are less aware of how they function and the critical threats linked with the same.
Digital native – anatomy
Digital natives have no knowledge about the world before digitalisation. They are basically more tech-savvy because they were raised in the digital setup.
This means they received widespread access to the internet as well as devices like smartphones and computers readily.
While digital natives adapted to technological evolution, they, too, at times, may not be aware of the threats linked with the internet.
So, what age brackets do the digital natives fall into?
Most consider digital natives as those born after the internet was started in around the early 80s, meaning Gen alpha, Gen Z and Millennials.
For a concrete instance, digital natives are those who are aware of the broadband and WIFI application and opt for a bag of salt or sugar through online apps rather than knocking at the neighbour’s door for the same. But they may not be aware of the cyber risks.
Technology today is ever evolving, and every digital generation adapts to the advancements usually based on their pace, whether it is a toddler tuning into Netflix, kids on mobile or seniors preferring email over text.
What are the cyber safety risks for the Millennials, and what is the solution?
You can think of Millennials as the major advocate of technology as they were extremely willing to imbibe digitalisation more than any other generation and were the first to witness it in their workplace. However, being cyber-wise is extremely important for all.
Risks – Remote workspaces depend on the cloud platforms as well as video conferencing services for connecting with the team. However, there are hackers lurking, and millennials must be careful against such threats.
Fix – When at work, always be aware of the webcam and what it may be exposing. Even ensure that your personal and work details, like online banking, are accessed through VPN or virtual private network to make sure your information is end-to-end encrypted.
What are the cyber safety risks for Gen Alpha, and what is the solution?
Access to digital technology requires you to be responsible, and for generation alpha, this means it is up to the parents to teach you how responsible you must be when using digital-age devices like video games and tablets.
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Risks – Most alpha kids have smartphones and other digital gadgets for entertainment. Based on what platforms and apps they communicate or engage with, kids may even engage with other people on devices, which has a chance of witnessing cybercrime.
Fix – Setting parental linked control on the tablet or devices is important to curb such cybercrimes.
Conclusion
Today’s generation consists of digital nomads, who are well versed in the difference between broadband and WIFI and how they can use the internet connection better. As the older generation lacks the tech-savvy approach, they may usually tend to be more hesitant about engaging in online activities.
Discussed above is all about technological gaps throughout digital generations to show how every group communicates with the technology today, what cybersecurity dilemmas there are that they may witness and how to remain cyber-safe.