I recently came across the term “digital peasant” in an English-language newspaper in Thailand. It intrigued me as I’d never heard it before. It’s not a commonly used expression in the West, but I read the article, and I could relate to it.

Once upon a time, most of us were rural peasants, working hard to survive, largely for the “lord of the manor”. 

The Industrial Revolution and education pulled us away from the plough and garden, providing us with the means to become part of the middle class and the associated ability to collectively wield financial, political and social clout.

We could get things done using our contacts, influence and ingenuity.  Events such as global pandemics provided peasants with the opportunity to take advantage of labour shortages to get paid more and build a better life. Those who strived hard were finally able to get ahead.

Digital revolution

Moving into the digital revolution, however, things appear to be pulling most of us back towards “peasantry”. It’s easy to get things done if what you are trying to do is “standard” and you conform to the process that the goods/service providers require. 

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