By: Jamie
Updated: Aug. 19, 2020
Originally Published: Aug. 17, 2018
The other day, I was chatting with a colleague who also has young kids, and we found ourselves laughing about the quirks of the upcoming Generation Alpha. What will we be joking about in 15 years as we reminisce about these kids and their unique traits? I can already envision myself as a cranky old lady, relying on my tech-savvy teenagers to show me how to send messages with just the power of my mind. After all, back in my day, we thought using our thumbs was more than sufficient!
In my role, I delve into research on different generations, so I’m quite familiar with how millennials like myself are often seen in a negative light and how Generation Z is supposedly poised to change the world, provided they can put down their multitude of devices. However, there hasn’t been much discussion about Generation Alpha, the cohort commonly defined as those born after 2010.
As with many generational studies, we won’t have a clear understanding of their characteristics until they experience significant global events that shape their perspectives. Still, I have some personal insights from raising my 5-year-old. Here are my thoughts on what we can expect from Generation Alpha.
A Need for Instant Gratification
As a “bridge” millennial, I remember a time before Google when we relied on microfiche for research and actual maps when we got lost. Younger millennials have a fuzzier recollection of those days, while Generation Z likely has no clue what it felt like to wait for a dial-up connection.
But Generation Alpha? Their patience will be non-existent, especially when it comes to technology. On any given day, you might hear my child shout “Hey Alexa!” even while he’s in the bathroom, driven by an urgent need to know how fast a cheetah can run. To him, waiting is simply not an option. He knows that with a few clicks, he can have anything he wants delivered from Amazon in two days, a stark contrast to my own childhood struggles of waiting for a VHS tape to rewind.
No Concept of Scheduling
We live in a world dominated by streaming services. My fond childhood memories include rushing home from school to catch the opening credits of my favorite shows. Now, my son wakes up on Saturday and immediately turns on Netflix, scrolling through options to find something to binge. Want to watch a specific episode of a show? No problem! He’ll check every streaming service until he finds it.
This instant access to entertainment is a significant shift from past generations who had to wait for their favorite songs to play on the radio to record them on cassettes. I can only imagine how much easier things will be for him as technology continues to advance.
Unique Entertainment Choices
The ’80s were undoubtedly an odd time for children’s programming, but nothing compares to what kids today are watching. Shows like Yo Gabba Gabba embrace a level of surrealism that is hard to comprehend. Yet, my son adored it as a toddler.
Furthermore, he’s fascinated by unboxing videos on YouTube, where people open chocolate eggs filled with toys. It’s a bizarre trend that captivates kids for hours, and I still can’t wrap my head around the appeal, but it’s a testament to Generation Alpha’s entertainment preferences.
True Digital Natives
While the terms “digital native” have been used to describe both millennials and Gen Z, Generation Alpha takes it to a whole new level. I struggle to operate our gaming console, yet my young child can set it up and navigate games effortlessly. His ability to find his way around YouTube with minimal reading skills astounds me. It’s like living in a sci-fi movie!
Inclusivity as a Core Value
Generation Alpha is set to become the next wave of tech-savvy individuals and social media experts. Millennials often get criticized for being entitled, but we carry a progressive mindset, especially regarding acceptance and inclusivity. We care about societal issues and are passionate about supporting causes that matter.
Generation Z has taken this a step further, advocating for individuality and social justice. They are making waves and holding corporations accountable. What does this mean for Generation Alpha? They have excellent role models guiding them towards kindness and understanding.
The other day, I took my son to a local music festival. He and his friends were playing when a new boy approached, eager to join in. Before I could remind the kids to include him, my son’s friend welcomed him warmly, showing that inclusivity is already embedded in their play.
My hope for Generation Alpha is that kindness and acceptance remain at the core of their interactions. I dream of a world where they celebrate differences and view everyone as part of one big family.
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Summary
Generation Alpha, born after 2010, is characterized by their need for instant gratification, lack of scheduling, unique entertainment preferences, and digital savviness. They are growing up in an inclusive environment, guided by progressive role models, and there’s hope that kindness will define their interactions.