Generation X, Y, and Z definitions have come up frequently recently – Generation Alpha
In fact, in many places, the term “Generation Z” has started to be used more often instead of “Young People”. Generation Alpha
So what are these generations?
How will the Alpha generation differ from other generations?
First, let’s take a look at where the definition of generation comes from.
Social, economic and technological changes over time also change people’s lives. From daily routines to basic needs, from expectations to behaviours, many things are changing.
Accordingly, it can be said that people living in different time periods have different characteristics. In other words, people living in certain time periods can be defined by similar characteristics in general and form a generation.
Generations such as X, Y, and Z are also used to describe the characteristics of people born in the same period.
6 Generations from 1925 to 2025
There are currently 6 generations living together that have changed and will change the world we live in.
The Silent Generation/Traditionalists (1925–1945),
Baby Boomers (1946–1964),
Generation X (1965–1979),
Generation Y (1980–1995),
Generation Z (1996–2009) can be sorted by birth year.
The new generation born after 2010 is called Generation Alpha (2010–2025).
Certain time intervals are given in defining generations. However, people born on the same date but with different social, economic and technological opportunities may not be in the same generation.
However, it is wrongly portrayed on social media and in many other places as if it is enough to be born in a certain date range to be included in a generation.
The important thing here is to have similar characteristics in general. The society we live in shapes our dreams, expectations, needs, behaviours and many other characteristics.
While generations have distinct general characteristics, individual characteristics should not be ignored.
It is seen those information technologies, which occupy more and more space in our lives, play an important role in shaping the Y generation and beyond.
Generation Y was 16 years old in 1996 when the Internet became generally available.
1996 is also the birth year of Generation Z. It took a certain amount of time for personal computers and the internet to become widespread and a part of our lives. We can say that the Alpha Generation is the first generation born into digital technology in a real sense.
Generation Alpha
Those born in this generation, also called the global generation, were born in an environment where technology and the internet are used and embraced in every field compared to previous generations.
They see many opportunities that previous generations considered luxurious or difficult to access as basic needs. Because for them, smartphones and tablets are an ordinary part of their lives.
In this regard, they are supported by their parents, Generation Y, and their older brothers and sisters, Generation Z.
Let’s take a look at the observed and predicted characteristics of Generation Alpha:
They have advanced technology usage skills. They are more aware of technology literacy than their predecessors.
They have a positive attitude towards innovation and change. They can quickly adapt to new situations.
They do not allow communication barriers such as language and physical distance to limit them; they can create their social circles on a global scale.
They like to meet and exchange information with new people from different cultures, backgrounds and ages.
In this way, their friends are not limited to those to whom they have physical access.
They like to act alone and be independent.
In addition to being individual, they can quickly come together for a specific purpose and take physical/virtual action.
They are sensitive to many events happening around them. They have a high level of awareness.
They have developed critical thinking skills.
They have high self-learning skills.
They want to manage the learning process themselves.
They find the information they discover themselves valuable, not the information presented to them.
They do not hesitate to ask for help when they face difficulties.
When they encounter failure, they accept it as a part of learning and try again.