Understanding the well-being of digital nomads from the perspective of self-determination theory – the case of China

The phenomenon of digital nomadism has emerged as a global trend and a growing research topic at the intersection of information technology and tourism. This study explores the underexamined dynamics of digital nomadism in China, applying self-determination theory (SDT) to investigate the well-being processes of Chinese digital nomads within their socio-cultural context. Using qualitative methods, the research identifies three key findings: (1) The digital nomadic lifestyle enhances well-being by fulfilling the basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, though these effects are uneven across individuals. (2) Mobility and digital technology serve as dual-edged social contexts, facilitating but sometimes hindering the satisfaction of these psychological needs. (3) Cultural values uniquely shape how Chinese digital nomads perceive and prioritize these needs, offering a culturally nuanced understanding of their well-being. This research contributes to the literature by providing a theoretically informed understanding on the dynamism of digital nomads’ well-being, expanding the application of SDT to highly mobile lifestyles, introducing a cultural lens to digital nomadism studies with a focus on China, and deepening the theoretical understanding of how mobility and digital technology influence the fulfillment of basic psychological needs and individual well-being.