Digital Nomads and the Covid-19 Pandemic: Narratives About Relocation in a Time of Lockdowns and Reduced Mobility

Digital nomads (DNs) are independent professionals who rely heavily on digital media and communications, not bound to the constraints imposed by traditional organizations, prioritize variables such as cheaper living costs when deciding where live. Communication technologies enable emergence of this lifestyle that is characterized high mobility, self-efficacy, location-independent resource-sharing, minimalism. The immediate outcome Covid-19 pandemic created an unprecedented space for debate between DN community mainstream. On one hand, mainstream recognized adaptive advantages location independence working remotely; other, DNs realized their most fundamental values—the freedom move—could become compromised stringent border regulations forcing them reassess nomadism. This article draws risk society theories, Maslow’s hierarchy needs self-actualization, approach problem. We Analyzed content produced creators YouTube, focusing perceptions arguments about choice staying nomad, compared with alternative, is, going back “home” seeking safety: (1) we found upheld core values, rather than shifting fear-based or risk-control narratives driven effects pandemic. circulated in videos thus contributed reinforce community’s values related a time crisis; (2) group, studied were biased option (keep moving go home) offered strong support either choice.