Money in the Era of the Digital Generation

Sammanfattning: Money can be described as a language, and as we know, languages evolve from one generation to another. The generation of children now growing up, known as the digital generation, is remarkably different from previous generations as digital technology has been a highly integrated part of their daily life since they were born. Does this affect the way they perceive money? The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the perceptions of money and payment solutions among children of the digital generation. The study was conducted using a semi-structured qualitative method in order to identify intriguing patterns and attitudes among children of the digital generation. The results show that children of the digital generation value ease and availability over personal integrity. Furthermore, they trust social media at least as much as banks. This has interesting practical implications for the future of money and actors within the industry of payment solutions, as well as for retailers. In addition to this, it is suggested that an extended framework is needed in order to explain the acceptance and use of digital technology of the digital generation. By contributing with both practical and theoretical implications, this thesis gives a new perspective on the future of money and payment solutions through investigating the perceptions and technology use of the digital generation.