The Dark side of digital nomads

We once assumed that everyone would love us for doing long travel in their country. we're not tourists gawking at the locals as oddities. We're digital nomads living within the communities, bringing our foreign spending with our nomadic work lifestyle.

The reality stung when we were told that some people don’t like digital nomads in their neighborhood. This ‘ouch’ required me to keep an open mind and keenly observe the complex interplay between the benefits and challenges posed by the influx of digital nomads.

It is easy to see the friction when new arrivals do not adhere to local customs, such as dressing modestly or observing local norms. (Stand on the right side of an escalator in Korea please!) The subtler impact involves cultural lifestyle clashes and pressures on local resources. In areas where co-working spaces proliferate, we've noticed rents inching up, accommodations shrinking, and a proliferation of Westernized food options in convenience stores. Such shifts in demand reshape local businesses — traditional eateries and shops evolve to appeal to foreign tastes, inadvertently side-lining local residents and altering the cultural landscape as they relocate and foreigners move in to cater to their own.

Few are paying attention to the critical need for cultural sensitivity and protection of the interests and needs of local residents. This balance is essential to ensure that the social fabric of these neighborhoods remains intact and the community thrives both economically and culturally.

An example we've observed in multiple countries is that bakeries have shifted from traditional wares to versions more palatable to Westerners. The result was that the locals needed to travel further to get their usual loved items. the presence of foreigners often doesn't increase demand for local staples like jackfruit or the day's fresh fish catch, triggering changes that can make it challenging for locals to access or afford their preferences, leading to gentrification and diluting the local essence.

The most profound impact of digital nomads is often their nocturnal work schedules, which can result in more night time activity. I’ll never forget the first time I had a meeting starting at midnight in our local co-working space I didn’t book a meeting cubicle making an assumption that everyone would be sleeping at that time. The place was packed with smoke breaks turning into mini noisy parties outside the building. Such late-night gatherings could clash with local norms, especially in quieter, more conservative areas or places like Ho Chi Minh City where the schools start at 7am.

These nocturnal habits often lead to alcohol consumption and a party atmosphere that may not mesh with local traditions and regulations. Sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll often accompany this vibe, which brings an element family neighborhoods do not appreciate.

While the economic infusion and vibrant dynamism brought by digital nomads can invigorate communities, the changes need to be done with a conscientious approach. Ensuring that the tapestry of local culture is not only preserved but also celebrated alongside the new patterns emerging from global influences is a shared responsibility.

The unfolding story of free-range living, change, adaptation, and potential harmony between the nomadic and the native is interesting to observe.

#nomad #digitalnomad #gentrification #Freerangelife #Culturepreservation

Side Note

To make South Africa a top choice for digital nomads, a comprehensive strategy that extends beyond the Digital Nomad VISA (DNV) is necessary. Addressing broader issues such as ease of doing business, appropriate tax and bureaucratic frameworks, and especially improving safety is crucial. For the DNV to transform into a competitive, nomad-friendly strategy, South Africa needs to overhaul the visa parameters and enhance the overall environment supporting a nomadic lifestyle. By engaging with the nomad community for continuous feedback and implementing necessary adjustments, South Africa can shift from being just a picturesque destination to a viable, long-term home for international remote workers.