Getting to know generation Alpha
Author: Simone Bellezza
Date of Publication: 16/02/2023
Meta description
Getting into Alpha generation: the first very digital native generation to see how new technologies and digitalization have impacted them.
Generation Alpha is the following generation after the Z one. Alpha gen begin in 2010 and is still ongoing, it encompasses all people born from 2010 onwards and who have therefore grown up in a fully digital world. Its oldest members are now 13 years old and they represent approximately 9% of the total population.
The term is coined by Mark McCrindle because in his opinion, generation ‘alpha’ conforms to the scientific nomenclature of using the Greek alphabet instead of the Latin alphabet and there was no point in going back to A. After all, they are the first generation born fully into the 21st century and therefore they are the start of something new, not a return to the old.’’
Gen alpha is completely different from the other in its relationship with the technological environment. Alpha gen is the first which is allowed to learn, play and interact in whole new ways, thanks to technology.
Experts point out that the world is changing quickly and continuously due to digital
transformation, which shortens the period between one generation and the next. So much so that technology use is becoming to define generations more than historical or social events.
Unlike other generations, they do not rely on physical interaction with their peers. As technology advances will give way to gesture-based interfaces and interactions between devices and humans and these will become more widespread ways of communication. Technology-related items influencing this generation's present and future include: smartphones, virtual assistants, and toys.
Characteristics
Here are the main traits of generation Alpha
- Hyperconnected: as they are born in a digital world, they also continue to live in a world where they are always connected in digital ways. While doing everything they are connected, just think about the increase of e-learning by schools.
- Independents: they assume that their particular demands and preferences will be taken into account since they are autonomous when it comes to making their own decisions and maintaining their digital identities. For example, they also decide autonomously what cartoons or YouTube videos to see on their smartphone.
- Visuals: they prefer images and videos rather than texts, so platforms like YouTube and TikTok are really important for them. They prefer shorts and fast contests.
- Technological: they are experts in the use of digital and new technologies. This supports their digital learning and offers a variety of opportunities.
- Diverse: referred to skills, tastes, lifestyles, and points of view.
By the way, they also believe in diversity in gender, ethnicity, race, body size, etc. it will be the segment of the population that is less tolerant of social inequalities. They already live in a multicultural and inclusive world.
Problems
Neuroscientists and psychologists point out that the continuously increasing presence of digital technologies in their lives also brought negative consequences that do not necessarily affect everyone equally. These are:
- Deconcentration and decrement of attention: They have a shorter attention span and are less focused since they are used to utilizing many displays at once and reading information fast.
- Less socializing time: There is less time for learning, playing, and socializing in more traditional ways when people spend a large portion of their day online, both inside and outside of the house. In actuality, social networks play a large role in socialization.
- Reduced creativity and imagination skills: The reduction of the use of physical toys will hurt the growth of imagination and creativity.
- Fewer abilities to reach happiness: There is a connection between the use of social media and smartphones as well as the growth in sadness, anxiety, and loneliness among young people today.
Conclusion
Alpha gen is portrayed as a generation that has been profoundly influenced by new technologies and social networks, one that faces greater uncertainty in the face of accelerating political and economic change and is under pressure to advance efforts to combat global warming and make the shift to a more sustainable world.
Reference List
https://www.iberdrola.com/talent/alpha-generation
https://www.insidemarketing.it/glossario/definizione/generazione-alpha/
https://business.trustedshops.it/blog/generazione-alpha-chi-sono