Refers to a person who was born before digital technologies became commonplace and who adopted computers, the internet, and other digital tools later in life. The term, introduced by Marc Prensky (2001), suggests that these individuals learned to navigate the digital world much as immigrants learn a new culture or language.
While digital immigrants may have had less early exposure to technology than younger generations, research shows that many develop high levels of digital proficiency through education, work experience, and lifelong learning. The term should not be interpreted as meaning that older adults are inherently less capable with technology. Rather, it reflects differences in the timing of technological exposure rather than an individual's ability to learn or innovate.
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