Digital nomad stories

: narratives of Lisbon

Abstract

The rise of digital technologies has led to the emergence of a community of locationindependent workers, commonly referred to as digital nomads. Despite their growing presence, research is limited on how individuals navigate identity formation and social integration in new environments. This study investigates the motivations, challenges, and identity dynamics of digital nomads, through the collection of 6 life stories of digital nomads living in Lisbon, Portugal. Grounded in the conceptual frameworks of sociologists Giddens, Appadurai, and Castells, the study reveals the role mobility, community and digital technology play in identity evolution of digital nomads in Lisbon. The findings reveal that while digital nomads leverage their mobility for freedom and flexibility, they also face challenges related to local community integration. The study contributes to the fields of modern mobility, globalization, and the future of work by offering insights into the lived experiences of nomads. Recommendations are presented for future research on the long-term implications of digital nomadism.

Date of Award	20 Mar 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Luís Lourenço Santos Silva Soares (Supervisor)