Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Educational Administration, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665-
2 B.A. student, Department of Social Sciences, Farhangian University, Zanjan, Iran.
Abstract
Purpose: Generation Z and Generation Alpha were born as digital natives surrounded by new technologies. They are present in schools and universities and will constitute the majority of society in the future. The present study aims to analyze the characteristics of digital natives in different dimensions.
Methodology: This research was conducted with meta-synthesis method. Articles from 2014-2025 were selected. Sandelowski and Barroso’s seven-step meta-synthesis framework (2006) was implemented in the analysis. Qualitative findings obtained from the 26 final articles were coded and synthesized in the form of 49 open codes and 7 subcategories.
Findings: The knowledge and information characteristics of digital natives were identified in seven subcategories: information and knowledge search patterns, information evaluation and verification, nature and construction of knowledge in the understanding of digital natives, cognitive relationships with technology and digital tools, network-based learning, information processing, and digital and technological literacy.
Conclusion: The research findings help policymakers, managers, university professors, teachers, and parents to have a correct and comprehensive understanding of digital natives and to make decisions and behaviors that are appropriate to their characteristics, to improve the quality of life, learning, and social interaction of digital generations, and to facilitate sustainable human development.
Value: This study systematically synthesizes fragmented literature to characterize the cognitive and behavioral attributes of digital natives, establishing a robust framework that moves beyond stereotypical labels to provide actionable insights for interpreting how generational differences shape communication, decision-making, and work preferences in social and organizational contextsKey Words: Generation Z, Generation Alpha, Digital Natives, Meta-Synthesis.
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