The generation that comes after Generation Z is called the Alpha generation. Each generation has several different characteristics that are unique to itself. The Alpha generation also has some features that are different from the generations that came before it. Alpha generation is a name given to the generation born after 2012. The children of the Alpha generation are defined as the children of mothers and fathers belonging to the X and Y generations. Knowing some of the characteristics of children belonging to this generation makes it possible to communicate more effectively with them.
What is the Alpha Generation?
In all societies, there are some generational differences between each generation. This situation is also characterized by generation conflict. Even now, there are some different generations in society. These generations can be listed as follows;
Silent Generation: 1945 and before
Baby Boomers: 1946 to 1964
Generation X: 1965 to 1976
Generation Y: 1977 to 1995
Generation Z: 1996 to 2012
Generation Alpha: 2012 and later
Children born in 2012 and later represent the Alpha generation. The way of life and perspective of children develops according to the conditions of the world in which they were born. The generation called the silent generation grew up in war and poverty. This situation caused the silent generation to be more obedient. The Alpha generation, on the other hand, is born into an extremely rapidly changing world. Technology and rapid development greatly affect this generation’s perspective on life.
Generation Alpha is the children of the adults of Generation X and Y. The oldest individual of this generation is 6 years old today. Generation Alpha takes its name from the Greek alphabet. The first letter of the Greek alphabet is Alpha. The reason for giving this name to the generation is that they are thought to be a new generation in the reset world.
Which Years are the Alpha Generation?
Each generation takes place in a different period. Generation Alpha is known as the youngest generation in society today. All children born in 2012 and after are known to belong to the Alpha generation. It is not possible to separate the characteristics of each generation with sharp lines. In each transition period, some characteristics of previous generations are included in the new generation. The youngest generation belonging to the Alpha generation is all children born at any time.
It is thought that approximately 2.5 million Alpha children are born every week. Considering the general rapid increase in the world’s population, it is thought that there is an extremely large Alpha population even now and will be in the future. The names to be given to the generations that will follow the Alpha generation are already clear. It is known that the next generations will be named Beta and Gamma.
What are the Alpha Generation Characteristics?
To briefly talk about the general characteristics of the Alpha generation;
- They quickly get bored with applications for single-sense organs.
- Their rate of commitment to screens is higher than their rate of commitment to people.
- It is a generation where parents have to constantly research and learn new applications.
- Children of the alpha generation can access information instantly. For this reason, if they cannot immediately access the information they want, they quickly move away from that subject.
- They are more careful than people from Generation Z, the previous generation of Alpha.
- The alpha generation is also extremely fond of repetition. They can watch a video they like many times.
Alpha Generation Personality Characteristics
The personality traits of the Alpha generation are slightly different from other generations. This generation opens their eyes to the world in an extremely rapidly changing technology. Mobile phones and all other technological devices are ordinary products for this generation. Thanks to technology, their level of knowledge are also extremely high. This generation is more self-centered than other generations. They do not enjoy sharing too much.
What are the Learning Styles of Generation Alpha?
For the Alpha generation, there are no physical boundaries in the world. Because there is no limit to technology. They have the opportunity to access any kind of information and data they want. They can use all technological developments in all areas of their lives and adopt developments. Technological products and virtual reality are a natural part of their lives.
Since the Alpha generation will have the opportunity to access everything easily, it is also referred to as the most entrepreneurial generation. It is expected that they will prefer online shopping. Robot technologies are also important in their lives. They speak less than X, Y, and Z generations. Therefore, their human relations will be weak.
What is the Effect of the Pandemic on the Alpha Generation?
The pandemic period has led to some changes in the Alpha generation, as in other generations. But this is generally positive for them. During the pandemic process, the Alpha generation started to use technology more and more efficiently. Here again, it is important to balance the use of technology with our work and social life. In other words, not to become a “Technology Addict”. I recommend you to read my article titled “What is technology addiction and how to prevent it?” on the subject. Our goal should always be for technology to serve us in line with our goals; not for us to serve technology.
How will the Alpha Generation Work Life be?
It is thought that the working life of the Alpha generation will be based entirely on technology. The Alpha generation, which is used to doing many of its jobs digitally, is likely to do its working life in this environment. Since they are an entrepreneurial generation, it is thought that they will take an active role in many different sectors.
Alpha Generation and Technology
The Alpha generation is known as the demographic group that is most intertwined with technology among the generations that have come so far. They are almost born into phones, tablets, and computers. Therefore, they grasp how to use these devices extremely quickly. Generation Alpha cannot easily imagine how a life without technological devices works. Therefore, technology is extremely important for the Alpha generation.
Generation Z and Alpha Generation
Generation Z comes before Generation Alpha. Therefore, the characteristics of the two generations are different from each other. There are both similarities and differences between these two generations.
Similarities between Generation Z and Generation Alpha
The similarities between Generation Z and Generation Alpha are briefly as follows.
- Both generations are open to innovations.
- Gives great importance to diligence.
- Both generations coincide with many inventions and technological developments.
- Both generations easily adapt to changes.
Differences between Generation Z and Generation Alpha
The differences between Generation Z and Generation Alpha are briefly as follows.
- While Generation Z establishes more intimate relationships, this is not the case with the Alpha generation.
- Generation Z is a little fond of traditions. Alpha generation is the age of technology.
- Generation Z has an authoritarian structure. Alpha generation hangs more freely.
- Generation Z is more open to the outside world, while the Alpha generation is a little introverted.
- Generation Z gives more importance to cultural values.
Frequently Asked Questions About Generation Alpha
Born in 2022 – which Generation?
As of 2012, each of the children born is in the Alpha generation. Therefore, children born and to be born in 2022 also find themselves among the Alpha generation.
Which Generation After Alpha Generation?
The next generation after the Alpha generation is the Beta generation, which will include people born in 2025 and later. After the Beta generation, the Gamma and Delta generations will follow.
