Buzz
Generation Alpha is the most fitting term to define today's youth. This generation largely consists of the children of Millennials (who are turning 43 in 2024) and the younger siblings of Generation Z (a group spanning from teens to adults in their late 20s). As they begin their teenage years, Generation Alpha is already making waves in culture. From their birth years to their distinct traits, here's what you need to know about them.
The Birth Years of Generation Alpha
If you’re still mentally stuck in the 2010s, you might use Millennials as a catch-all for 'young people.' However, Millennials were born between 1981 and 1996, so they are now between 27 and 42 years old. Teens and those in their early to mid-20s belong to Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012 (or 2010, depending on the definition). While Gen Z dominates modern culture, Generation Alpha is rapidly catching up behind them.
Most sources define Generation Alpha’s birth years as spanning from 2010 to 2024. This means that the oldest members of Gen Alpha are already 13, while the youngest will be born in the upcoming year. Although this generation is still too young to influence music or fashion trends, they will soon be entering their teenage years. Brands are already targeting Generation Alpha—this is the first generation fully immersed in the world of social media influencers and online shopping. As they grow, they are expected to make a significant impact on the economy. Mark McCrindle, the social researcher who named the generation, predicts Gen Alpha will reach over 2 billion people, making it the largest generation in history.
Generation Alpha’s Key Traits
While many Millennials and Zoomers (Generation Z members) grew up with technology, including computers, cell phones, and social media, smart devices weren’t a constant presence in their childhoods. Generation Alpha, however, began with the release of the first iPad in 2010. If you’ve ever used the term iPad babies to describe children who are handed tablets instead of pacifiers, you were talking about Gen Alpha. This is how they earned the nickname Generation Glass.
Along with being raised on touch screens, Generation Alpha is also growing up in families that are different from those of previous generations. They are more likely to be only children, have older parents, and live in homes where both biological parents aren’t present. Another huge factor influencing this generation is COVID-19. Children born during the pandemic will be turning 4 in 2024. While Generation Z grew up in the 2010s, a significant portion of Gen Alpha will have no memories of life or education before COVID.
The lasting effects of COVID-related disruptions on students continue to be felt. A report by NWEA published in 2023 [PDF] reveals that U.S. students have not yet returned to the academic progress levels seen before the pandemic. In the past year, there has also been a surge in the use of widely available A.I. language models like . While these technologies offer great potential as an educational tool, they have also made plagiarism easier—and more common—than ever before.
It's still too early to predict the full impact these circumstances will have on Generation Alpha. Some experts suggest that growing up in an era of social distancing might influence their social skills, while constant exposure to smart devices from an early age could make them impatient. Others argue that they may turn out to be more resilient and better educated than previous generations. Regardless of how Generation Alpha evolves, you can be sure that older generations will find something about them to complain about.
