Exploration of the Identity Belonging Mechanism of Digital Nomads Based on the Fusion of Dual Theories

Xiyue Zheng(South China University of Technology)
Muchun Li(South China University of Technology)

Abstract

With the advancement of digital technology, digital nomads, as an emerging mobile labor group, are increasingly gaining attention. While seemingly possessing freedom, they face the dual challenges of delocalization and a sense of homelessness. To this end, this study innovatively integrates Liquid Modernity theory and Network Society theory for the first time. It collects data related to digital nomads from platforms like Weibo and Rednote, employing online text analysis to systematically map the lived realities and internal dilemmas of digital nomads within social media, online communities, and individual narratives. The study finds that the experience of geographical migration and participation in temporary shared spaces at the spatial dimension, weak-tie social networks and online community interactions at the relational dimension, and self-meaning construction at the cognitive dimension collectively form the identity belonging mechanism of digital nomads.

Keywords

Digital Nomads; Identity Belonging; Liquid Modernity Theory; Network Society Theory; Grounded Theory

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12345/jetm.v9i3.30916