Digital Nomads and the Covid-19 Pandemic

Narratives About Relocation in a Time of Lockdowns and Reduced Mobility

Dados Bibliográficos

ID2414424
AutoresKarine Ehn (0000-0002-4872-8688, Universidade Lusófona), A Jorge (0000-0002-4069-6212, Universidade Lusófona), Manuel Marques-Pita (0000-0003-2180-6823, Universidade Lusófona, autor correspondente)
Ano2022
Volume8
Fascículo1
Data de publicação2022-01-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoSocial Media + Society (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 2056-3051 • E-ISSN: 2056-3051
EditoraSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/20563051221084958
OpenAlexW4297671155
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas29
Referências citadas40

Digital nomads (DNs) are independent professionals who rely heavily on digital media and communications, are not bound to the constraints imposed by traditional organizations, and prioritize variables such as cheaper living costs when deciding where to live. Communication technologies enable the emergence of this digital lifestyle that is characterized by high mobility, self-efficacy, location-independent resource-sharing, and minimalism. The immediate outcome of the Covid-19 pandemic created an unprecedented space for debate between the DN community and the mainstream. On the one hand, the mainstream recognized the adaptive advantages of location independence and working remotely; on the other, DNs realized that one of their most fundamental values-the freedom to move-could become compromised by stringent border regulations forcing them to reassess nomadism. This article draws on risk society theories, Maslow's hierarchy of needs and self-actualization, to approach this problem. We Analyzed content produced by DN creators on YouTube, focusing on risk perceptions and arguments about the choice of staying nomad, compared with the alternative, that is, going back 'home' seeking safety: (1) we found that most creators upheld core DN values, rather than shifting to fear-based or risk-control narratives driven by the effects of the pandemic. The narratives circulated in the videos thus contributed to reinforce the community's values related to self-actualization, in a time of crisis; (2) as a group, the creators we studied were not biased to one option (keep moving or go home) and rather offered strong arguments to support either choice

Business · Mainstream · Media studies · Narrative · Political science · Public relations · Sociology · Digital Economy and Work Transformation · Law