As a young child, I was privileged enough to have access to technology in Guyana from a very young age. I learned and accessed a wide array of information from the internet and even educational offline software. While I’m aware that some of my peers won’t be able to say the same, I also know that many from generation Z can relate to this. With that in mind, I will be considered as a “digital native”. I heard of this term for the first time while attending a training session last week. The facilitator used it to describe the group of young people in the room. As I researched the term and what it means, I came across a plethora of information on it and other related terms. I eventually asked myself, “Who are Guyana’s digital natives?” “How will these digital natives be able to help our country transition with technological advancements?”.

The term, “Digital native” was coined by Marc Prensky in 2001. He used it to describe the generation of people who grew up in the era of widespread technology. This includes the use of computers and the internet. Digital Natives in Guyana will be people who see technology as a necessary aspect of daily life. Digital Natives use technology to communicate and learn and it’s “comfortable” for them to use technology. This group of people has recently become the centre of modernity. The majority of the country’s advancement plans (both private and public) aim at engaging and recruiting Digital Natives. This is why many businesses, governmental agencies, NGOs and even mass media news agencies are active on social media or on the internet to reach this ever-growing group of technological progressives.

I can say with certainty that Native Digitals will transform Guyana for the better, but that can only happen if we’re allowed to. There’s been a gap- a tug of war between digital natives and those who refuse to understand or learn through technology. Many ideas from Digital Natives are being declined and pushed aside because it’s not “standard”. Is it because Digital Natives are a threat to traditional cultures? Or, is it because our technology in Guyana isn’t reliable enough to get jobs done? What kind of country will we be in global competing markets without the use of technology? I’ve heard demotivating statements around the clock about how “technology ruined the world” or “young people can’t think for themselves”. These kinds of sentiments will not encourage growth amongst Native Digitals. As our country navigates its way through a new oil and gas industry, we have to improve how we conduct business, marketing strategies, and even information dissemination.

The internet allows us to access and share information across the world and with the help of Digital Natives, Guyana can globally leave its mark. When Guyanese ‘Tik Tokers’ go viral with a positive message, it promotes our country. When an online skin care business starts to sell its product to international customers, it promises our country. When entrepreneurs pin businesses to Guyana on Google Maps, it promotes our country. These small yet significant acts are mostly accomplished by Digital Natives. These small acts ultimately add up and they will collectively boost our country’s economy, internet footprint and global reach. The next time someone tries to degrade or demotivate you as a “Digital Native”, you can let them read this article. We must understand how the world is changing and how we can help Guyana to keep up with the times.