ration Alpha: How Brands can Connect with Digital Natives 2.0

Gen Z and millennials are the most prominent examples of emerging generations and how they will impact our culture. Gen Alpha is fast becoming a force to reckon with.

These people have been shaped by an unprecedented set of circumstances. They were all born in the same year that the iPad was invented, so they can’t imagine a life without it. They also grew up during a pandemic.

Gen Alpha has a level and depth of wisdom, precociousness and social awareness unlike anything we’ve ever seen. Every business owner needs to pay attention, as they are the future of all things.

Let’s take a closer look at Gen Alpha children, their beliefs, and how adults can create businesses that cater to these young people.

Who is Generation Alpha and why?

Gen Alpha is the youngest generation of humans and is part of the larger concept of global generations.

Gen Alpha is the next generation after Gen Z. It includes all children born after 2010 or earlier. They are expected to be the largest generation, with more than two billion people by 2025.

This generation was heavily influenced and shaped by technology and events over the past few years. The pandemic has already shaped their lives.

Despite being young, they are expected to be a creative and resilient generation, influenced in part by their digitally-advanced world experiences.

What brands should know about Gen Alpha?

Brands need to understand Gen Alpha because they are the largest generation in history. These are some key characteristics to be aware of.

Gen Alpha is growing on screens

In-person activities dropped during the pandemic. Screen time was replaced by screen time. Virtual school and play dates were moved to the virtual world. This is causing a fundamental shift in how they interact with the world.

They have access to all the information in the world. They have a greater sense of the possibilities in the world and have gained agency through screen time. They are learning new ways of learning, which is a big difference from previous generations.

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Screen time has its downsides. It can lead to a decreased social function, a shorter attention span, isolation, apathy, or depression. It’s all part and parcel of the new generation.

Gen Alpha wants the past to be repaired.

Gen Alpha takes digital learning to new heights, covering topics such as race and climate change. Their online experience has made them more aware of the important sociopolitical issues that we face. McCrindle research shows that 81% Gen Alpha parents made more sustainable decisions, partly thanks to their children.

They are able to see the lives of others and have an empathy for them.

Gen Alpha is a high-decisive

The new generation draws inspiration from many sources: from the hugely popular YouTube channel Ryan’s World to internationally renowned activists like Greta Thunberg to Gen Z influencers to content creators to everyday role models such as nurses and scientists.

They are consuming media on multiple platforms, which exposes them to real children like themselves and the people who will shape the future. This gives rise to a new generation “kidpreneurs”, who have already started their own businesses.

They are able to influence others and have an innate sense of authority and influence.

How to reach Gen Alpha – and create future success for you brand

While many of the rules will remain the same, the aging population can still learn a lot about building a sustainable business model. These are some strategies to ensure you include Gen Alpha children.

Create communication as a two way street

Gen Alpha, a large social media user in the new digital age is speaking back. This is one of the most important concepts. Advertising, marketing and brand communications are not a one-way road.

They are co-creators because of the platforms they use like Roblox, TikTok and Minecraft. When you are building or shaping your business model ask yourself where you can create more opportunities to have meaningful dialogue and respect the sovereignty of this next generation.

Be a force for good–and make it well

Gen Alpha is strongly inclined to social justice and righting wrongs from the past. They are watching you, to be honest. They are looking at the business practices that fuel your brand and asking if you are part of the solution or the problem.

Is your brand making a positive social or ethical impression? This should be a part of your brand story and strategy. Gen Alpha children will start to have their own disposable income and they will choose brands that are in alignment with their passion for helping the world.

Keep their millennial parents in your thoughts

Gen Alpha’s millennial parents are a great example of what Gen Alpha is all about. Millennials were the first to understand the difference between growing up online and in-person. They’ve felt the pressure and ethical questions of raising children who live in a world that revolves around screens.

Despite strict regulations regarding data collection and marketing to children under 12, millennials recognize the power and connectivity of technology tools. They are open to tech-focused ways of learning, participating and engaging in the world. This is a great opportunity for brands to create these solutions, so take note if this is you!

The preference of Millennial parents is for products that are high-quality, minimal, and “clean”, as well as those made from natural, chemical-free ingredients. The Gen Alpha apple isn’t far from the tree in this sense.

Create personalized experiences first and then let the products follow

Gen Alpha and their parents are looking for unique, personalized experiences. They use highly personalized technology every day and expect that future problems will be solved by the same well-integrated tech. This mindset is essential to build brands that last.

Once you have proven your relevance and value, it will be much easier to move into the sale of products. You can combine integrated campaigns in both digital and person spaces with interactive social media marketing campaigns. Without an interactive and engaging piece, your ad is just another useless ad. (And they’ve seen plenty of them span>

Gen Alpha is paving a new way for all

It is no secret that Gen Alpha will have a lot of empowered, hyper-informed and engaged leaders. This is what we are already seeing in Gen Z and millennials, but there are key shifts that brands today need to embrace.

TikTok users must be 13 years or older. 2023 marks the first generation of Gen Alpha kids. With their unparalleled wisdom, optimistic skepticism and a determination to own and build their future, they will be able to surge onto the social media battlefield. Will you join it or be left behind?

Generation Alpha FAQ

Is 2010 Gen Z or Alpha

Generation Z is often associated with 2010. Generation Alpha is the name given to people born after 2010. This is the generation that was born completely in the 21st Century.

What’s the difference between Gen Z and Gen Alpha?

Gen Z is also known as the iGeneration, Zoomers or Zoomers. It includes people born between 1995 to 2010. This is the first digital generation. Most of its members grew up with smartphones and social media as an integral part of their daily lives.

Gen Alpha is the generation that was born after Gen Z. It typically occurs between the mid-2010s or mid-2020s. Because its members are more tech-savvy than Gen Z, it is often called the digital native 2.0 generation.

What are the most recognizable characteristics of Gen Alpha?

Gen Alpha is well-known for their ability to grow up with the latest technologies such as voice assistants and augmented reality, and for being more open-minded than Gen Z. Generation Alpha members are known for being more open to the world and having greater exposure to cultural diversity.

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Author: Amanda Gaid