Final answer:
Consumers who grew up with digital technology and are constantly connected are known as technophiles. While they are deeply integrated with technology in their social and personal lives, issues like information overload and the digital divide still pose challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Consumers who grew up 'wired' in a highly networked, always-on world where digital technology has always existed are called technophiles. Technophiles are individuals who embrace new technologies and incorporate them into every aspect of their lives, especially their social lives. These advanced devices not only provide functional use but also become intertwined with their social interactions, effectively becoming a significant part of their identity.
Despite the many advantages of being constantly connected, it brings the challenge of being overwhelmed with information, which can lead to narcotizing dysfunction. This state occurs when individuals are so inundated with digital input that their engagement with societal issues and world events turns into passive awareness rather than active participation.
While the digital divide once seemed to be a problem that technology would naturally solve, disparities in technology use and Internet access persist, varying greatly by race, class, and age. However, a factor that affects the divide includes the differentiation in device functionality, pointing out that the type of device can limit one's empowerment and potential for success in an information society. Nevertheless, modern communication technologies are becoming more pervasive globally, underscoring the influence of technophiles across various cultures.