The Digital Natives project focuses on the key legal, social, and political implications of a generation “born digital” – those who grow up immersed in digital technologies, for whom a life fully integrated with digital devices is the norm.

Through qualitative research, legal analysis, and collaboration with educators, we investigate how the culture of digital natives – a culture of connectivity, of public display, of sharing, of feedback, of constant availability and of global citizenship – impacts and will continue to impact our world. In particular, we focus on the influence upon institutions of education and government, while also extending inquiry to impacts on business, relationships, and mental health. Our research informs our mission to provide recommendations to educators and legislators for reforms that make the most of the exciting possibilities young people’s digital fluency presents, supports youth in navigating the difficult issues, and ultimately engages technology in ways that strengthen our social institutions.

Watch our “Born Digital” videos: http://youthandmedia.org/videos/borndigital/