Digital Sleepwalkers
/ˈdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl ˈsliːp.wɔː.kərz/
noun phrase (singular: Digital Sleepwalker)
Etymology: Compound term combining digital (relating to computer technology) and sleepwalkers (people who walk while asleep, unaware of their actions). The concept was first articulated in educational writings by Gabriele Gobbo in 2025, challenging the myth of "digital natives" and describing young people's unconscious relationship with technology.
1.
Young people who appear skilled with technology but lack critical understanding of digital systems, privacy, algorithms, and the true implications of their online behavior.
2.
A generation that navigates digital spaces with apparent confidence while remaining fundamentally unaware of how technology shapes, monitors, and influences their thoughts and actions.
Key Insight: "Being born into a digital world doesn't mean you understand it. Many kids are navigating tech the way someone sleepwalks through a room full of sharp furniture: eyes half-open, totally unprepared." — Gabriele Gobbo
Characteristics of Digital Sleepwalkers
- Fast with devices but unaware of data privacy implications
- Unconscious of algorithmic manipulation and content curation
- Skilled at using apps but ignorant of business models behind them
- Active on social platforms without understanding digital footprints
- Confident online but vulnerable to misinformation and scams
- Tech-savvy in operation but digitally illiterate in consequence
Educational Context: The concept of Digital Sleepwalkers challenges educators, parents, and policymakers to move beyond teaching "digital skills" (button-pressing) toward fostering genuine digital awareness and critical thinking about technology's role in society.
Real-World Examples
A 13-year-old scrolls TikTok for hours, not knowing the algorithm is designed to keep them hooked.
Teenagers share personal information on social platforms, unaware it's being sold to advertisers.
"Our students can use every app, but they can't recognize a phishing email or understand why their data matters."
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Digital Natives and Digital Sleepwalkers?
"Digital Natives" assumes kids naturally understand technology because they grew up with it. "Digital Sleepwalkers" reveals they're actually moving through digital spaces without awareness of the consequences, manipulation, or implications.
Who developed the term Digital Sleepwalkers?
The concept was first articulated in educational writings and research by Gabriele Gobbo in 2025. It reflects his decades of experience working with students, parents, and educators, and appears prominently in his book "Digitalosophy."
How can we help Digital Sleepwalkers wake up?
Through education that goes beyond teaching "how to use" technology to "how to understand" technology. This includes digital literacy, privacy awareness, understanding algorithms, and developing critical thinking about online information.
Are adults Digital Sleepwalkers too?
Yes. Many adults also navigate technology unconsciously. The difference is that young people have grown up in this state, making it their "normal," while adults often recognize they're struggling to keep up with digital changes.
Research and Development
The concept of Digital Sleepwalkers was first articulated through Gabriele Gobbo's extensive research and educational work with schools, families, and institutions across Italy and Europe. With over 30 years of experience in digital communication and education, Gobbo observed that young people's apparent tech-savviness often masked a fundamental lack of digital awareness.
The concept appears prominently in his 2025 book "Digitalogia" (Italian) and its English edition "Digitalosophy - An Italian Perspective on Our Digital Age." It represents a paradigm shift from celebrating "digital natives" to recognizing the need for genuine digital education.
Source: "Kids Aren't Digital Natives — They're Digital Sleepwalkers" and the book Digitalosophy
First Articulation: 2025
Research by: Gabriele Geza Gobbo