Yunhao Xiao is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the Department of Communication and Culture, specializing in Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. His research centers on the evolving work patterns in response to the rapid development of information and communication technologies and digital transformation. His aim is to envision future work possibilities, such as digital nomadism, and explore their implications.
Digital nomads (DNs) employ digital tools to work remotely while traveling, allowing them to explore various locations without having the constraints of a single workplace. This research focusses on the perceived challenges of DNs in forming and maintaining romantic relationships. Through participant observation, 20 in-depth interviews with DNs, and an analysis of the r/digitalnomad sub-reddit, this study explores: 1) how DNs explain their experience with romantic relationships in relation to their lifestyle; 2) how they deal with the difficulties of forming and maintaining romantic relationships. Guided by relational work and inter-role conflict theories, we identify four conflict types of within DNs' romantic relationships: attitude-based, location-based, time-based, and money-based. To address these conflicts, our interviewees used resource conservation, segmentation, and compensation mechanisms. The paper also discusses DNs' strategies for finding new romantic partners, such as attending DN events organised via social media groups to connect with fellow DNs, as many believed that finding a partner who was also a DN would be ideal to keep their lifestyle and not to have to reduce their mobility patterns. Moreover, DNs engaged with locals through meetups and dating apps. In existing romantic relationships, technology played an important role by enabling connectedness between partners that might be in different locations. Higher levels of communication were also key to maintaining romantic relationships and negotiating boundaries. Our findings highlight the prioritisation of the lifestyle over romantic com
Xiao, Yunhao & Lutz, Christoph (2024)
Wayfarers in Cyberspace: A Temporal Investigation of Digital Nomads Based on Liquid Modernity Theory
Following the recent rise of digital nomadism, this study explores changing patterns of travel and work among highly mobile individuals. We draw on liquid modernity theory to analyze data from Reddit’s r/digitalnomad subreddit over 3.5 years. Fifteen topics and seven clusters capture the rich discussions. The most discussed topic was Destination review & recommendation, followed by Emotional needs & lifestyle choice. Regulatory issues also emerged as a significant concern. The pandemic influenced sentiment fluctuations over time, but the tone of topics remained mostly neutral. Our research provides nuanced insights into digital nomads’ habits, concerns, and lifestyle choices, showing how travel-related aspects feature front and center. For the tourism industry, our findings offer actionable suggestions to cater to this dynamic and economically powerful traveler group. Finally, and as a theoretical contribution, the study enhances our understanding of the role of global disruptive events, such as pandemics, in liquid modernity.
