15초 만에
- The current era defined by computers, smartphones, and the internet.
- Used to compare modern life with the pre-internet past.
- Appropriate for both professional meetings and casual social discussions.
뜻
The digital age refers to the current time in history where computers and the internet are part of everything we do. It is the era where information is shared instantly through technology rather than on paper.
주요 예문
3 / 6Discussing parenting with a friend
Raising kids in the digital age is a huge challenge because of social media.
Raising kids in the modern computer era is a huge challenge because of social media.
A business presentation about marketing
To succeed in the digital age, companies must have a strong online presence.
To succeed in the modern computer era, companies must have a strong online presence.
Complaining about a lack of privacy
Privacy is almost impossible to find in the digital age.
Privacy is almost impossible to find in the modern computer era.
문화적 배경
In the US, the digital age is often viewed through the lens of innovation and 'disruption.' There is a cultural emphasis on how new tech can replace old systems. European perspectives on the digital age often focus heavily on 'Data Privacy' and 'Digital Rights,' leading to strict laws like GDPR. Japan often blends the digital age with robotics and 'Society 5.0,' aiming to use tech to help an aging population. Estonia is a 'digital native' country where almost all government services are online, representing the peak of digital age integration.
Use it in Essays
This is a 'power phrase' for IELTS or TOEFL writing. It makes your arguments sound more professional and well-structured.
Don't forget 'The'
Saying 'In digital age' sounds like a translation error. Always include 'the'.
15초 만에
- The current era defined by computers, smartphones, and the internet.
- Used to compare modern life with the pre-internet past.
- Appropriate for both professional meetings and casual social discussions.
What It Means
Think of the digital age as the 'right now' of human history. It describes a world where we use screens for almost every task. It started when computers became common in homes and offices. Now, it means a life connected to the internet 24/7. It is the transition from physical things to digital data. Instead of a paper map, you use GPS. Instead of a CD, you stream music. That is the digital age in action.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to talk about how life has changed. It usually acts as a noun phrase in a sentence. You can say things like "Growing up in the digital age is different." It often helps explain why something is fast or complex. Use it when comparing the past to the present. It sounds smart but is very easy for everyone to understand. It makes you sound like you are thinking about the 'big picture' of society.
When To Use It
Use it in a job interview to show you understand modern tech. Use it when complaining to friends about how much time we spend on phones. It is perfect for school essays or business presentations. You can use it when talking to your parents about new apps. It fits well when discussing privacy, social media, or remote work. Even at a coffee shop, you might use it to discuss why nobody carries cash anymore.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for very old technology like a 1990s calculator. That is too specific and a bit outdated. Avoid using it if you are just talking about one specific phone. It is a 'big' phrase for broad topics, not small gadgets. Don't use it in a super casual text like "See you in the digital age." That sounds weird and robotic. It is a serious term, so don't use it for silly jokes about your toaster breaking down.
Cultural Background
This term became popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It represents the 'Information Revolution.' In Western culture, it often carries a mix of excitement and stress. People love the convenience but miss the 'simpler times.' It is often linked to the idea of 'Digital Natives' (kids born into tech). It marks the moment humans stopped being limited by physical distance. Now, the whole world is just one click away.
Common Variations
You might hear people say the Information Age or the Computer Age. Some tech fans call it Web 2.0 or the Silicon Age. In business, you might hear Digital Transformation. However, digital age remains the most common and natural way to say it. It covers everything from AI to TikTok. It is the 'umbrella' term for our modern, plugged-in lifestyle.
사용 참고사항
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any register from neutral to formal. Just be careful not to use it to describe a single piece of hardware; it describes the era, not the object.
Use it in Essays
This is a 'power phrase' for IELTS or TOEFL writing. It makes your arguments sound more professional and well-structured.
Don't forget 'The'
Saying 'In digital age' sounds like a translation error. Always include 'the'.
Pair with 'Thrive'
A very common business collocation is 'to thrive in the digital age.' Use this in interviews!
Digital Native vs. Immigrant
People born in the digital age are 'natives'; those who learned it later are 'immigrants.' This is a great related concept to mention.
예시
6Raising kids in the digital age is a huge challenge because of social media.
Raising kids in the modern computer era is a huge challenge because of social media.
Used here to set the context for modern parenting struggles.
To succeed in the digital age, companies must have a strong online presence.
To succeed in the modern computer era, companies must have a strong online presence.
Shows professional awareness of current market trends.
Privacy is almost impossible to find in the digital age.
Privacy is almost impossible to find in the modern computer era.
Expresses a common modern frustration or concern.
I love this old film camera; it feels so real in this digital age.
I love this old film camera; it feels so real in this modern computer era.
Contrasts old physical objects with modern digital life.
Dating in the digital age means falling in love with a profile picture first.
Dating in the modern computer era means falling in love with a profile picture first.
A lighthearted take on how apps have changed romance.
The transition into the digital age changed how we store human knowledge.
The transition into the modern computer era changed how we store human knowledge.
Used to describe a significant historical shift.
셀프 테스트
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
Many traditional businesses are struggling to adapt to ____.
We use 'the' because it is a specific historical period, and 'age' is the correct collocation.
Which sentence is the most natural?
Choose the best option:
'Digital age' is the standard fixed phrase.
Match the era to its description.
Eras and Descriptions:
The digital age is defined by computing technology.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Do you think kids spend too much time on screens? B: Well, it's just part of growing up in ____.
'Growing up in the digital age' is a very common set phrase.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'the digital age'?
Select the best context:
The phrase is best used for broad, analytical discussions about technology's impact.
🎉 점수: /5
시각 학습 자료
Analog vs. Digital Age
연습 문제 은행
5 연습 문제Many traditional businesses are struggling to adapt to ____.
We use 'the' because it is a specific historical period, and 'age' is the correct collocation.
Choose the best option:
'Digital age' is the standard fixed phrase.
왼쪽의 각 항목을 오른쪽의 짝과 연결하세요:
The digital age is defined by computing technology.
A: Do you think kids spend too much time on screens? B: Well, it's just part of growing up in ____.
'Growing up in the digital age' is a very common set phrase.
Select the best context:
The phrase is best used for broad, analytical discussions about technology's impact.
🎉 점수: /5
자주 묻는 질문
14 질문There is no exact date, but most historians say it began in the late 1940s with the first computers, and became 'mainstream' in the 1990s with the internet.
Yes, it is formal and neutral. You can use it in a scientific paper or a conversation with a friend.
Yes! 'The digital era' is a perfect synonym and is used just as often.
In English, 'age' is used for major historical periods (like the Stone Age or the Bronze Age). 'Time' is too general.
Always 'digital age.' 'Digitized' refers to the process of turning something into data, but the era itself is 'digital.'
No, we are still in it! Some people say we are entering the 'AI Age,' but that is still part of the broader digital age.
Try: 'In the digital age, remote work has become the new norm.'
Technically yes, but it's almost never used. We only live in one digital age.
The 'analog age' or the 'pre-digital era.'
Yes, it is used identically in both dialects.
No, you would use 'digital native' for a person. 'Digital age' only describes the time.
Usually no, unless it's at the start of a sentence or in a title. Some writers capitalize it (Digital Age) to emphasize its importance, but lowercase is standard.
These are skills like coding, data analysis, and online communication.
Mostly, but the digital age actually started in the 20th century.
관련 표현
Information Age
synonymAn era where information is the main economic driver.
Digital Native
builds onA person born during the digital age.
Analog World
contrastThe world of physical objects and non-digital tech.
Tech-savvy
similarBeing good at using technology.
The Silicon Age
specialized formThe era defined by silicon-based microchips.
Digital Divide
specialized formThe gap between those with and without internet access.
