View article

This research essay traces the history of digital nomadism, a form of highly mobile digital work that has emerged as an information technology (IT)-enabled global phenomenon with substantial implications for individuals, businesses and societies (Schlagwein 2017). While definite numbers are not available, my estimate, based on primary research, is that, as of 2018, there are several hundred thousand digital nomads. To gain an appreciation of the history of digital nomadism, we need to trace concurrent developments and interwoven historical trends in technology, business and travel.

Digital nomadism became recognised as a mainstream phenomenon in 2014–15 when dedicated online communities emerged (eg, Nomad List), coworking spaces opened and conference series began. However, its first appearance was as a more individualistic phenomenon in the 2000s. It was then that IT companies started accepting remote working arrangements for software developers, an important book was published (Ferriss 2007) and electronic freelancing marketplaces emerged (eg, Elance). The term itself dates further back to the 1990s (Makimoto and Manners 1997). Pioneering examples existed even before then (Roberts 1984), with conceptual predictions made even earlier (eg, by Marshall McLuhan 1962, 1964). The broader roots of digital nomadism can be traced to the backpacking movement and, in fact, to traditional nomadism. This is where we start our historical examination.