Generation Alpha: Who They Are, How They Think, and What the Future Holds

Contemporary children are growing up in an era of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and global connectivity. Generation Alpha is the first generation surrounded from birth by smartphones, tablets, and virtual reality. Learn what sets them apart from their predecessors and what awaits them in the future.

Who Are the Children of Generation Alpha

Generation Alpha, is a term used to describe people born roughly between 2010 and 2024. The name comes from the first letter of the Greek alphabet (α) and symbolizes the beginning of a new era in human history. The term was introduced by Australian researcher and marketer Mark McCrindle in 2010. He suggested using the Greek alphabet after the Latin one had been exhausted by Generations X, Y, and Z. Key feature: This is the first generation whose life has been inseparably linked to digital technologies since birth. For them, a world without the internet, smartphones, and artificial intelligence simply does not exist.

A Brief Overview of Generational Theory

To understand the place of Generation Alpha in history, it is important to explore generational theory. This concept was developed by American researchers William Strauss and Neil Howe in 1991.

Core Principles of the Theory

The theory argues that people born within the same period (about 15–20 years) form shared values and worldviews under the influence of historical events, technological changes, and social conditions of their time. Generations in modern classification:

• The Silent Generation (1928–1945) — grew up during war and scarcity
• Baby Boomers (1946–1964) — the era of postwar economic growth
• Generation X (1965–1980) — witnesses of the early digital revolution
• Millennials (1981–1996) — the first digital generation
• Zoomers (1997–2010) — grew up with social media
• Generation Alpha (2011–2024) — born in the age of smartphones and AI
• Generation Beta (2025–2039) — the future generation of neural networks

How Generation Alpha Was Formed

A Digital Environment from Birth

Unlike millennials and zoomers, who adapted to evolving technologies, Generation Alpha grew up in a world where digital reality was already fully established. Studies show that by age two, 90% of modern children can use a tablet, and by 5–7 years old, half already have their own gadget.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The global pandemic significantly affected the older members of this generation. Many spent much of their childhood in isolation, which influenced their social skills and ways of interacting with peers. Online learning became the norm, and virtual communication replaced in-person meetings.

Helicopter Parenting and Declining Birth Rates

Born during a demographic decline, many Alphas grow up without siblings. Parents tend to be more protective and controlling, limiting children’s independence compared to previous generations. Research shows that modern children are allowed to play unsupervised much later than their predecessors.

Key Characteristics of Generation Alpha

Personality and Worldview

Modern children demonstrate independent thinking, flexibility, and a strong desire to express their own opinions. They reject the authoritarian “because I said so” approach and expect clear explanations. Parents must earn authority rather than rely on it automatically. These children prefer equal interaction and recognition of their individuality. They easily cope with change, as their environment has been constantly shifting from early childhood.

Interaction with Technology

For Generation Alpha, gadgets are not toys but multifunctional tools for everyday life. They use digital devices with greater awareness and skill than zoomers. Technology does not amaze them — it is simply a natural part of the world they were born into. Fun fact: Generation Alpha perceives the virtual world as a natural extension of the real one. Entering digital space is, for them, like stepping into the next room.

Values and Interests

Children of Generation Alpha show high environmental awareness. They support eco-friendly living, sort waste, and treat the environment with care. Their dreams often focus not on material goods but on the well-being of loved ones and the health of the planet. They actively develop creativity and seek self-expression. Learning and hobbies often intersect. Humor plays an important role in how they perceive the world — they use memes and jokes in communication and do not take everything too seriously.

Distinctive Traits of Generation Alpha

Attention Difficulties

Immersed in high-tech environments from birth, Alpha children are accustomed to consuming large amounts of information at once, constantly switching between sources. This develops clip thinking but makes it harder to work with long, uniform content such as long books or videos.

Strong Individualism

Digital technologies allow them to access information and express themselves without leaving home. Social networks create a sense of community while simultaneously fostering strong personal identity and boundaries.

Multitasking and Adaptability

Constant interaction with digital platforms boosts multitasking abilities. Generation Alpha adapts quickly to changing conditions and displays flexibility. With access to vast amounts of content, their level of knowledge across many fields is high.

Developed Social Awareness

Growing up in an era where environmental issues and social justice are central topics, Alpha children are more informed and active in social matters. They understand their rights, are confident, unafraid to take initiative, and believe in their ability to change the world.

Multiculturalism and Global Thinking

From early childhood they interact with various cultures through digital platforms, fostering tolerance and openness to cultural exchange.

Health Awareness

Generation Alpha recognizes the importance of both mental and physical health. They want to feel well here and now and take active steps to achieve this.

Emotional Vulnerability

Frequent social media use can lead to self-esteem issues and social adaptation difficulties, making this generation more vulnerable to psychological challenges.

How to Communicate with Generation Alpha

Principles of Interaction

Cooperation instead of authoritarianism. Provide explanations for your requests and offer choices. This builds trust and gives children a sense of control over their lives. Honesty and openness. Children of this generation highly value sincerity. They easily detect hypocrisy, so being straightforward is crucial. Active communication. For Alpha children, extensive communication is essential: listen carefully, give clear answers, and interact as equals. This fosters confidence and independence. Flexibility of values. Immersion in a digital environment shapes flexible views of time and space, and a high tolerance for different cultures and lifestyles.

Attitude Toward Money and Consumption

Financial Awareness

Many children begin receiving pocket money at a young age, which develops financial literacy. They learn to manage funds and make purchasing decisions.

Influence on the Family Budget

Even preschoolers have significant purchasing influence. Parents consult their children before major purchases, especially those related to technology and gadgets.

Conscious Consumption

Like zoomers, Alpha children lean toward mindful consumption. They avoid excess and prefer brands that make the world better. Studies show that around 66% of children want to buy products from socially responsible companies, and 18% choose items without plastic packaging. Friends and bloggers strongly influence their purchasing decisions.

Education for Generation Alpha

Multimodal Learning

Generation Alpha will study longer than previous generations. The traditional school system based on coercion is being tested. Low attention spans and clip thinking require new approaches. The solution is multimodal learning, combining various formats of interaction with material:

• Visual — images, videos, infographics
• Auditory — podcasts and lectures
• Reading and writing — text materials
• Kinesthetic — hands-on tasks

Studies show that 65.6% of young people prefer multimodal learning. It makes the process more interactive and engaging, helps sustain attention longer, and improves memory retention.

Essential Competencies

In addition to academic knowledge, schools must develop crucial 21st-century skills:

• Adaptability — the ability to quickly adjust to change
• Critical thinking — analyzing and evaluating information
• Creativity — seeking unconventional solutions
• Communication — effective interaction
• Coordination — teamwork skills

Future Professions for Generation Alpha

When Generation Alpha enters the labor market, many modern professions will disappear and new ones will emerge. They will study longer, start working later, and retire after 70. Throughout their careers, they will frequently change jobs and fields.

In-Demand Professions of the Future

Wellbeing Manager — a specialist creating a healthy and comfortable work environment. Life Simplification Specialist — developer of apps and services that streamline daily tasks. City Farmer — expert in growing food in urban settings such as rooftops, basements, and vertical farms. Somnologist — sleep specialist. Cybersecurity Expert — protector of data in the digital world. Virtual Reality Engineer — creator of immersive experiences. Important: According to the World Economic Forum, two-thirds of the professions Generation Alpha will work in have not yet been invented. Adaptability will become the most valuable skill.

How Generation Alpha Will Change the World

Technological Literacy

In a world of round-the-clock technology and services, Generation Alpha will develop solutions that increase efficiency and well-being. They are willing to pay for simplicity and personalization.

Sustainable Future

With technological literacy and global thinking, Alphas will become key players in building a more sustainable and equitable world. They will use their skills to solve global problems — from climate change to social inequality.

Impact Across All Fields

Generation Alpha will influence the economy, culture, education, medicine, and technology. Their unique approach to life and work will drive positive change, making the world more technological, sustainable, and humane.

Generation Alpha Slang

Like earlier generations, Alphas have created their own communication style. Here are some popular terms:

• Sigma — cool, bold, popular person
• Chugi — outdated, out of style
• Sas — suspicious (for zoomers also “cool”)
• Altushka — a girl with a bold style, often with dyed hair
• Delulu — daydreamer, someone with unrealistic fantasies
• Tilt — extreme frustration or sadness
• Ghosting — suddenly disappearing from communication
• Slay — admiration, “wow!”
• Ate, thanks! — expression of approval and excitement

10 Core Values of Generation Alpha

1. Mental health — psychological well-being comes first. 2. Diversity — acceptance of differences among people. 3. Pragmatism — choosing careers and lifestyles that remain in demand. 4. Technological fluency — effortless navigation of the digital world. 5. Closeness and solitude — valuing both friendship and personal space. 6. Environmentalism — striving for unity with nature and environmental protection. 7. Individuality — desire to express one’s unique self. 8. Personal boundaries — ability to set and defend boundaries. 9. Quick achievements — impatience and entrepreneurial mindset. 10. Positive vibes — focus on humor and positive emotions.

Conclusion

Generation Alpha is the most numerous and technologically advanced generation in human history. By 2025, their population will reach 2 billion. They are growing up in a world where digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and global connectivity are the norm. Their values, approaches to learning and work, and attitudes toward the world shape the future in which we will all live. Understanding this generation’s characteristics will help parents, educators, and society create conditions for their successful development and potential realization.