Native and non-native digital users consume computing differently
| Start of Exposure | Examples of first exposure (defining elec tech products) | Adaption adoption of computer technology | Early adopters | |
| Traditionalist (80+ years old) | Did not touch until their 50s or 60s, not exposed until then | None ~prefer phone call | Prefer to do it the way they know, don’t feel competent to tackle using tech, life is fine without it, get someone around them to or do out, don’t like to feel dumb | |
| Boomers 58 – 79 years | Did not touch tech until 30s and 40s | microwaves, calculators, digital watches, TV remotes ~prefer phone call / OK with text | Don’t like to be left behind, many will adopt some level of tech (Facebook, smartphone), if pushed (Facebook AND smart phone) they resent and resist. Many had to learn some level at basic for job (email, web browsing, etc.) | Engineers, people who like to tinker, electronic hobbyists |
| Gen X 42-57 years | Introduced to electronic tech from grade school, hands on by 20s | video games, personal computers, digital toys (Simon, Furby) ~prefer text or email | Well versed in technologies established in the 90s and 00. Comfortable with burgeoning tech but like every generation, getting lazy and tired at learning new. Many stuck in FB. Know how to ask questions. | Engineers, college students, home video gamers |
| Millennials 26 – 41 years | Well versed on computers starting in late grade school middle school | their own cell phone, email, downloading music, online games sharing with others, using business software for school—first generation to touch type and not know cursive ~prefer text | Take on the attitude toward tech from their boomer or gen X parent. | Influencers / entrepreneurs / hustle economy / innovators in social media |
| Gen Z 10 – 25 years | Using computers from infancy | Tablets, online social gaming, YouTube and other video social media ~some messaging platform-WhatsApp/Snapchat/? | Because of immersion from beginning, fluid users of technology. creators of trends in usage and content | 2nd generation influencers, VR gamers |