You've Heard of Millennials and Gen Z, but What Is 'Generation Alpha,' Exactly?
This generation is growing up in the 'Great Screen Age.'
Time sure seems to go by fast, especially when you mark it by generations. Every time you turn around, there seems to be a new generation starting. And when you think about how each labeled generation is comprised of births within a 15-25 year period, you realize just how swiftly time is going. Currently, there are seven living generations. We've been hearing a lot about Gen Z lately, but what exactly is generation alpha?
Each generation has its own distinct characteristics. Because of the fact that society is constantly changing, it's no wonder that there are sometimes conflicts between the different age groups. And the generation gaps are even getting wider with a longer life expectancy—in fact, the oldest generation, or "The Greatest Generation," started in the year 1901! You can just imagine how kids brought up back then would be different than our current youngest generation, or "Generation Alpha."
Generations are typically shaped by specific events. For instance, Baby Boomers were named after the spike in birth rates after World War II. Although the names of some of the newer generations aren't as descriptive, the time periods are shaped by distinct changes in society. We'll go over what defines Generation Alpha and how this generation relates to previous generations.
Related: What Generation Am I? Find Your Generation's Name & Years
What Is Generation Alpha?
Generation Alpha includes anyone born between 2010 and now, including up to the year 2024. This means that the oldest members of Gen Alpha are 13 years old.
This youngest generation is defined by the digital world. They are growing up with digital devices like iPads and smartphones and know how to use them at an early age. In fact, this period of time is known as the "Great Screen Age" which will have a great effect on these kids. As they are the first generation that is born into the digital world, they will without a doubt be the most comfortable with technology.
McCrindle Research has a lot of insight into Gen Alpha. According to McCrindle, it is predicted that this generation will have more schooling and start working in their field at a later age. It will be quite common to learn and work from home—the whole world is open to them online. They are able to learn very early what is out there and will likely progress much faster than generations before.
Never before has a generation had so much information right at their fingertips. However, the impact of all the screen time is yet to be seen but could potentially create shorter attention spans as well as reduced in-person social interaction.
That being said, this generation may actually have a deeper appreciation for social relationships due to lost time socially during COVID-19. Many kids struggled with the isolation and most likely wouldn't want to do it voluntarily.
Another factor that influences Generation Alpha, according to McCrindle, is the fact that they possess the most material things of any of the previous generations.
What Are the 7 Living Generations?
These are the current seven living generations:
The Greatest Generation
Born 1901-1924 (24 years)
The Silent Generation
Born 1925-1945 (21 years)
The Baby Boomer Generation
Born 1946-1964 (18 years)
Generation X
Born 1965-1979 (15 years)
Millennials (AKA Generation Y)
Born 1980-1994 (15 years)
Generation Z
Born 1995-2009 (15 years)
Generation Alpha
Born 2010-2024 (15 years)
Related: You've Probably Heard the Term 'Nepo Baby' but What Exactly Does It Mean?
How Did Generation Alpha Get Its Name?
The Greek alphabet has influenced the names of hurricanes in the past, and now the names of recent generations as well. "In keeping with this scientific nomenclature of using the Greek alphabet in lieu of the Latin, and having worked our way through Generations X, Y and Z, I settled on the next cohort being Generation Alpha- not a return to the old, but the start of something new," says Mark McCrindle, founder of McCrindle Research.
Generic generation names like X, Y, Z and now Alpha, were initially meant to be used as placeholders until another more descriptive name would be formed. However, X and Z ended up sticking so maybe Alpha will too.
What Will Come After Generation Alpha?
The next generation to come is expected to be called Generation Beta. That generation will include those born between 2025 and 2039.
Next Up: Millennials, Are You Making These 10 Money Mistakes? Financial Experts Suggest What To Do
