Understanding the Differences Between Gen AI Natives and Gen AI Migrants
As generative AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, a new division is emerging between two groups: “Gen AI Natives” and “Gen AI Migrants.” Gen AI Natives are individuals who grew up with AI technology as a natural part of their environment, while Gen AI Migrants adopted it later in life. This divide influences how people use, adapt to, and view generative AI technologies, with each group bringing unique perspectives and skills. Here’s a closer look at the distinctions between these groups, backed by research.
- Who Are Gen AI Natives and Gen AI Migrants?
Gen AI Natives are comparable to “digital natives,” a term coined by Marc Prensky in 2001 to describe individuals who have grown up with technology and are naturally comfortable with it. Today, Gen AI Natives are familiar with generative AI from a young age, using tools like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Midjourney. They see AI as a routine part of creative and professional tasks.
Gen AI Migrants, on the other hand, are those who had already developed their careers or adult routines before generative AI became widespread. Adopting these tools later in life, they may approach AI with more caution and deliberate adaptation, balancing traditional methods with new capabilities. According to a study in AI & Society (Source 1), this difference in adoption affects comfort, speed of learning, and depth of engagement with AI technologies.
