In the field of Digital Hustle, where people seek and utilize the opportunities presented by the digital side of the world to gain economic value or pursue their goals. Understanding digital nomadism as portrayed on platforms like TikTok has significant importance. Digital nomadism is a lifestyle where people can work and travel at the same time, due to their set of skills. This lifestyle is fully linked to the spirit of Digital Hustle, where human beings seek to maximize their autonomy and flexibility in the chase of professional and personal goals. By exploring how TikTok portrays digital nomadism, we can gain knowledge into how this way of life is commodified, romanticized and seen by others in the digital space.
The rise of digital nomadism, supported by many platforms like TikTok, shows us the sudden connection between globalization, technology and culture. In recent years digital nomadism became really popular among young individuals. Even with the popularity the topic lacks scholar research into how the concept interacts with neo-colonialist dynamics. Therefore, this research is done to fill in this gap by examining the TikTok model of the digital nomad lifestyle through the lens of neo-colonialism.
This research will demonstrate that the digital nomadism movement tries to empower positive aspects of life, such as freedom and mobility. Nevertheless, accidentally may steer to the creation of power imbalances and cultural hegemony. However, I believe that these portrayals may lead to potential ways for challenging and unsettling neo-colonialism discourse. By accurately analyzing TikTok content, this study aims to shed light on the “hidden” power dynamics and cultural representations that shape the digital nomad discussion on the platform. Through this analysis, the research intends to show both the protraction of neo-colonialist ideologies and ways for resistance and destruction of the idea within digital spaces.
The theoretical framework for this research draws from critical postcolonial theory, cultural studies, and media studies. These theoretical angles provide a lens through which to look through and analyze the complex bond between digital nomadism and neo-colonial dynamics. Postcolonial theory offers insights into colonialism and imperialism, highlighting the ways in which relations of power and dominance can be still seen in contemporary society. Cultural studies provide tools for understanding how cultural practices and representations reflect and perpetuate power relations. Media studies give us the structure for analyzing the whole chain of production, distribution and posting of media content on the main topic.
The main concepts such as cultural appropriation, Othering, and the commodification of culture will be used as tools for analyzing the TikTok model of digital nomad and its connection to neo-colonialism. For example, in “Decolonizing Methodologies” by Linda Tuhiwai Smith, the concept of decolonising gives a structure to critically analyze the representation of marginalized groups “..the term ‘research’ is inextricably linked to European imperialism and colonialism… When mentioned in many indigenous contexts, it stirs up silence, it conjures up bad memories, it raises a smile that is knowing and distrustful.” This ideas and concepts will be used to understand and challenge the connection of digital nomadism and neo-colonialism.(2012, 1)
Similarly, in “Empire of Signs” by Roland Barthes, the idea of semiotics and the construction of meaning in cultural texts will be used to deconstruct the visual and textual elements seen in TikTok videos, uncovering underlying power dynamics and ideologies. (1983)
This research will acquire a qualitative approach, by analyzing visual content of TikTok featuring digital nomad topics. A data set of TikTok videos will be selected based on relevant hashtags such as #digitalnomad, #travel and #digitalnomadism. These videos will be analyzed for patterns and discourses around digital nomadism. Therefore, to see how power relations are built and discussed within the Digital Nomad community.
Moreover surveys via email may be done with digital nomads that creat content on TikTok. This will be done to get insights into their experience and opinions, enabling us to understand the topic more broadly. Additionally, comment observation of digital nomad communities on TikTok may provide valuable insights into the experiences of individuals working on and producing digital nomad content.
Overall, this research is done to provide a large-scale exploration of how TikTok’s portrayal of digital nomad connects with neo-colonialist dynamics, giving knowledge into the potential for both perpetuation and resistance within digital spaces. Exploring neo-colonial dynamics through TikTok’s model of digital nomadism is important within the context of Digital Hustle, as it sheds light on the mutuality of technology, globalization, and cultural representation. By understanding how digital nomadism is constructed and perceived within digital spaces, we can build strategies and initiatives that promote ethical engagement, non-biased behavior and empowerment within the digital economy.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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Barthes, R. (1983). Empire of signs. Cape.
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Hensellek, S., & Puchala, N. (2021). The Emergence of the Digital Nomad: A Review and Analysis of the Opportunities and Risks of Digital Nomadism. In: Orel, M., Dvouletý, O., Ratten, V. (Eds.), The Flexible Workplace. Human Resource Management. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-62167-4_11
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Kelly, C. (2012). Neocolonialism and the Global Prison in National Geographic’s Locked Up Abroad. Critical Studies in Media Communication, 29(4), 331–347. doi:10.1080/15295036.2011.645843
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Olga, H. (2020). In search of a digital nomad: defining the phenomenon. Information Technology & Tourism. doi:10.1007/s40558-020-00177-z
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Smith, L. T. (2012). Decolonizing methodologies: Research and indigenous peoples. Otago University Press. (19-72)
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Thompson, B. Y. (2018). The Digital Nomad Lifestyle: (Remote) Work/Leisure Balance, Privilege, and Constructed Community. International Journal of the Sociology of Leisure, 2(1-2), 27–42. doi:10.1007/s41978-018-00030-y
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Zheng, L. (2010). Neo-colonialism, ideology or just business? Global Media and Communication, 6(3), 271–276. doi:10.1177/1742766510384964
Here is my research plan, you do not have to stick to it perfectly, you can change the resources and a question little bit