Experts have begun studying the characteristics of those born in the fully digital era after 2010, dubbed Alpha, children of Generation X and millennials.
By Omaira Martínez Cardona – Colombian Journalist
As Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new law banning children under 14 from having their own social media accounts without parental consent, Anita’s family—a little girl just over 2 years old—happily enjoyed swinging on an aerial ride at an amusement park, despite her family’s fears that something might happen to her.
“How does she know she has to hold on tight and not let go?” I asked in a panic. “She’s part of Generation Alpha—they’re just born smarter,” someone replied to reassure me.
After classifying those born between 1994 and 2010 as Generation Z or the crystal generation, experts have begun studying the characteristics of those born in the fully digital era after 2010, now called Alpha, children of Generation X and millennials.
It’s not that they were born smarter, but rather that they were born into a completely different, fully digitalized world.
For these digital natives, technology is their way of understanding the world. From infancy, they depend on computers and devices. They will socialize through YouTubers and influencers and acquire new skills and abilities more quickly than previous generations.
Alphas like Anita face a world from birth where artificial intelligence is already a reality, and information and communication technologies can enhance their skills and abilities. Some studies have already shown that certain video games positively influence intelligence test results.
This is a sensitive topic, especially for those of us who still resist and fear the risks that technology and social media access may pose to children. However, it must be acknowledged that the future of the world will be in the hands of these new generations, who will not be able to thrive without mastering these technological tools in the best possible way—with proper supervision, control, and guidance.
It has also been proven that in this new generation, brains are specializing in more specific problems, presenting a major challenge to transform the future of humanity.
According to experts, Alphas will be more decisive, strong-willed, intelligent, and permanently connected.
While we shouldn’t fear these changes that new generations are born into, we must educate ourselves and prepare as parents to accompany and guide our children wisely and cautiously.
Regardless of the era or generation in which a child is born, the foundational education they receive first will always come from their home, their core family. Welcome to the future, Generation Alpha!
