According to Karl Mannheim’s theory, every 15-20 years a generation of people is formed that is different from the previous one. This occurs as a result of sociocultural changes, historical events and scientific and technological progress. Right now we are seeing the emergence of a new generation that is already changing the world – Alpha.
Features of Generation Alpha
Generation Alpha includes children born from 2010 to 2024. While many members of Generations Y (born 1981 to 1996) and Z (born 1997 to 2012) also grew up with computers, cell phones and social media, smart devices have not yet been so ubiquitous.
Generation Alpha appeared the year the first iPad was released. These children are expected to become more literate and innovative when they reach adulthood. This is largely due to technology, which is an integral part of their lives.
Alpha and technology
Representatives of the new generation became part of the digital world even before they knew what the Internet was. Parents often post photographs of their children and share notes about the first years of life. Every second Russian child who has reached a conscious age is on social networks. A survey by a reputable publication showed that 25% of parents help children create content, 55% actively support the management of social networks, and 18% stimulated financially.
Alpha children have amazing skills with gadgets. They easily navigate YouTube, even without knowing how to read. View technology as an integral part of their lives, while representatives of Generation Y and Z view it as a tool.
Alpha teens will not interact with apps, smartphones, and tablets the way we do today. Most likely, they will be immersed in virtual spaces using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) devices.
Global consciousness
Thanks to the Internet, Generation Alpha children have access to information about events and cultures around the world. Social networks and instant messengers allow you to communicate with friends and peers around the world. They can exchange opinions, share thoughts and ideas, and participate in global discussions and actions. This makes them globally oriented and open to a diversity of cultures and worldviews.
With access to information about global issues, Alphas are already interested in social issues and the environment.
They will become active participants in movements for environmental protection, the fight against inequality and racism, support for animal rights and other social and environmental initiatives.
Flexibility and adaptability
Generation Alpha is growing up in a rapidly changing world, where old norms and stereotypes are constantly being revised. This generation has flexible thinking and the ability to creatively solve problems. They are not afraid to experiment, accept new ideas and look for non-standard approaches to problems.
It is likely that the younger generation will show the same flexibility in choosing a professional path. They are expected to be able to move easily between different areas of activity, learn new skills and adapt to market demands.
How can the new generation influence society?
There is no doubt that Generation Alpha will impact education, the job market and entertainment culture. A real technological revolution is expected from this generation of children.
They will continue to develop the main skills of the 21st century: critical thinking, communication, creativity, gentle conflict resolution and the ability to find a way out of problematic situations .
Generation Alpha prefers interactive entertainment formats that allow active interaction with content. They love choice games and virtual reality. They also prefer short and engaging videos, podcasts and audiobooks that allow them to quickly get information anytime and anywhere.
Content and entertainment will be maximally tailored to individual preferences and interests. Alphas will appreciate personalized recommendations from services and platforms that help them find content that matches their tastes and needs.
Representatives of Generation Alpha will expect flexible working conditions. They will prefer remote work, flexible hours and a variety of forms of employment, including freelancing and project work. Generation Alpha will focus on professions that require unique technological skills and competencies, such as data analysts or augmented reality application developers.
How to raise the Alpha generation?
The adult rule “I’m in charge” no longer works. The new generation should be raised as equals, listen to wishes and learn to formulate their point of view. Parents should spend more time with their children, pay attention to all areas of life development and build relationships according to the “parent = friend” principle.
If previously it was customary to divide children into gifted and not so gifted, then with the advent of the Alpha generation everything changed. Every child is gifted. It is important to find his strengths and help him show them.
Minimum aggression and maximum respect is the main motto of the new generation. The trend of equality and tolerance was set by the children of the previous generation, but Alphas will be able to improve it. They are careful in their statements about the people around them and take care of their own and others’ psycho-emotional health.
