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[Lance Hinds]

Reasons Why Local Communities Don’t Like Digital Nomads
REBECCA GILLESPIE·JANUARY 7, 2024
https://www.travelinglifestyle.net/reasons-why-local-communities-dont-like-digital-nomads/

Across the globe, from the beaches of Bali to the bustling streets of
Barcelona, a surge in digital nomadism is reshaping the landscape of work
and travel. This trend, which merges remote work with globetrotting, has
emerged from obscurity into the limelight.

Post-pandemic, the number of digital nomads has skyrocketed by 131%, but
with this growth has also come a significant number of critics, who refer
to this phenomenon as a modern form of colonialism. In locations
overwhelmed by digital nomads, for example, there’s a noticeable shift,
from indigenous languages to English. Digital nomads also often take
advantage of living somewhere with a lower living cost while earning from a
place with a stronger economy, which can drive up local rental prices and
force residents to move further away from city centers.

Beyond the surface, however, it’s crucial to consider other contributing
factors. Numerous countries now actively attract the digital nomad
community with tax benefits and specialized visas. Such governmental
strategies, aimed at appealing to a global demographic, often prioritize
the needs of digital nomads over local citizens. This is evident in cities
like Lisbon and Barcelona, where the influx of tourists and nomads has
strained the local housing market and overcrowded public spaces. Locals in
Mexico City and Chiang Mai have also expressed concerns over the rising
living costs and cultural dilution due to the increase in digital nomads.

Influx Of Digital Nomads In Barcelona Is Forcing Locals To Move Out
The impact of digital nomadism varies globally, influenced by unique
historical, economic, and cultural contexts. Recent studies, for example,
like those conducted by Olga Hannonen in Gran Canaria, reveal a generally
positive local reception towards digital nomads, perceived as a boon to the
economy and social milieu. These nomads often frequent local cafes and
restaurants, which double as their workspaces, fostering interactions with
residents.

This isn’t, however, a universal experience. Interactions in Bali between
locals and nomads, as explored by Shaun Busuttil, are mostly limited to
business transactions. The segregation is not policy-driven but results
from economic disparities. For instance, digital nomads may spend half of
their daily Balinese salary on one cup of specialty coffee.

The cultural and economic divide is not just confined to Bali and Gran
Canaria. In other parts of the Global South, similar patterns emerge, where
locals are often found only as service staff in establishments catering to
foreign clientele. This is in stark contrast to the potential for smoother
integration in European contexts, where shared cultural backgrounds ease
interactions.

Bali Sets New Estimated Deadline For Golden Visa For Digital Nomads And
Investors
Furthermore, instances of inappropriate behavior by tourists in Bali have
led to a mixed reception of foreigners, which impacts the perception of
digital nomads. Their presence, while economically beneficial, sometimes
clashes with local cultural norms, leading to backlash by the local
community.

The varied responses around the world underscore the importance of
considering the local context in understanding the dynamics between digital
nomads and host communities. The increase is truly a double-edged sword,
offering benefits to the local economy while also posing challenges to
local cultures and economies.

(Source: pursuit.unimelb.edu.au by Shaun Busuttil)


Lance Hinds
Georgetown Guyana




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