I am part of a generation that checks their phone over 150 times a day. I counted  and it was unfortunately pretty close to that mark (I know I’m shocked at the amount too). We are digital natives that interact online but are looking for human connection. Does digital actually excite us ? The millennial paradox generation enjoy access that is open to everyone but yet want to feel important. Personalisation being the key. Most grew up with technology but may prefer function to enhancement. We crave social satisfaction and an instant hit of dopamine, therefore, should the focus for digital education be emotional resonance? Kozinets implies that the online community experience makes the individual feel less different, less socially isolated which results in self-acceptance. The virtual environment of social media incites us to take on other identities one that is presented through text and image. Are we looking for acceptance online and investing more time on our online relationships rather than our other relationships. Yes, cyberspace is part of our life but should we not use it to channel learning in digital education as a way to focus rather than merely expressing ourselves online.

 

References:

Kozinets, R. V. (2010) Chapter 2 ‘Understanding Culture Online’, Netnography: doing ethnographic research online. London: Sage. pp. 21-40.

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