Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Gen Z vs Gen Alpha. Think you know the next gen? Think again.
Gen Z is changing the world with their tech skills and social awareness.
But there’s a new wave coming, Gen Alpha. They’re growing up even more connected and curious.
Want to know how Gen Z and Gen Alpha compare?
Gen Alpha is more digital-oriented than earlier gens, and they demand immediate responses.
Table of contents
- Technology Adoption by Generations
- Download 2024 Gen Alpha Survey Insights
- Here are 7 key characteristics between Gen Z Vs Gen Alpha
- Find out which Generation you belong to – Generation Calculator
- Values and Priorities Has Become A Shifting Compass
- Two Generations (Gen Alpha Vs Gen Z), Two Internet Worlds
- When Gen Alpha Grows Up in a Digital World with New Tech.
- Gen Z are Half-Digital Natives with a Cause
- Gen Alpha are Tech Leaders in the Making for Digital World
- Gen Alpha Vs Gen Z
- Related articles
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Technology Adoption by Generations
Gen Alpha and Gen Z are both undeniably tech-guided, but their relationship with tech differs a lot.
Gen Alpha are The Digital Natives:
Gen Alpha has a more seamless integration with digital devices. They love using voice commands, AR, and advanced apps. With that, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube are shaping their content intake. Short-form video content and interactive features resonate strongly with them.
Gen Z are The Digital Pioneers
Grew up with the rise of social media and smartphones, shaping their communication styles and online habits. Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat dominated their digital landscape. They were early adopters of online shopping, streaming services, and digital content creation.
Unlike Gen Z who see gaming as a way to relax, Alphas view gaming as a creative outlet where they can build and express themselves. (63% want the latest tech compared to 31% of Gen Z).
– Source: Razorfish x TPL Ethnographies, 2022; Razorfish x GWI Primary Research, 2022.
Download 2024 Gen Alpha Survey Insights
Here are 7 key characteristics between Gen Z Vs Gen Alpha
| Gen Z | Gen Alpha | |
| 1 | Grew up with smartphones and social media. | Born into a world with AI and smart devices. |
| 2 | Prefers texting and visual content. | Embraces voice commands and interactive media. |
| 3 | Highly socially conscious and activist-oriented. | Focused on personalization and individual expression. |
| 4 | Values flexible learning and online resources. | Engaged with immersive learning through AR/VR technologies. |
| 5 | Prioritizes work-life balance and entrepreneurship. | Expected to be innovative and collaborative from a young age. |
| 6 | Influenced by peer reviews and social media trends. | Attracted to experiential and sustainable products. |
| 7 | Open about mental health issues and self-care. | They focus on well-being and emotional intelligence. |
7 Gen Alpha Characteristics: Gen Alpha Vs Gen Z
Alphas value being themselves (92%) and are more likely than Gen Z to stand up for what they believe in (43%). Source: Razorfish x TPL Ethnographies, 2022; Razorfish x GWI Primary Research, 2022. The report suggests they are concerned about sustainability, inclusion, and social justice.
Find out which Generation you belong to – Generation Calculator
Values and Priorities Has Become A Shifting Compass
While both generations are concerned about social issues, their priorities and approaches differ.
- Gen Z: Activism and Inclusivity. Gen Z prioritizes equality, sustainability, and mental health. They’re vocal about their beliefs and often drive social change through online activism and consumer choices.
- Gen Alpha: Individualism and Experiences. While sharing Gen Z’s concern for social issues, Gen Alpha is also values personal growth and experiences. They value authenticity and personalization and love self-expression.
Two Generations (Gen Alpha Vs Gen Z), Two Internet Worlds
Gen Alpha, born between 2010 and 2025, is the first native digital gen to grow with social media and smartphones. Technology will act as a connection with family and friends digitally, unlike previous gens (Baby Boomers, Gen X).
Gen Z, born before Gen Alpha, are also half-digital natives as they have grown up with technology. They are quick and witty.
Members of Generation Alpha, are fully immersed digitally. They spend an average of 4 hours every day on screen time. It means they constantly consume content and are exposed to social media marketing at a young age.
Social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok significantly impact how young children interact.
“the new normal is about fully actualizing the enterprise by operationalizing new knowledge and insights, leveraging more AI aimed at growth, and heavily investing in people strategy, reskilling and humanizing work, particularly as we move through the decade where Millennials, Generation Z and Gen Alpha will dominate the workforce.”
Pew Research Center reports a quote from Terri Horton, futures strategist and founder and CEO of FuturePath
Career Aspirations: Different Paths
The job market is evolving rapidly, and Gen Z and Gen Alpha have distinct career goals.
- Gen Z: Stability and Purpose – Having seen economic downturns, Gen Z likes job security and work-life balance. They seek careers with a sense of purpose and opportunities for growth.
- Gen Alpha: Flexibility and Entrepreneurship – More entrepreneurial in spirit, Gen Alpha values freedom to pursue their passions. They’re open to unconventional career paths and are more likely to consider freelancing or starting their own businesses.
When Gen Alpha Grows Up in a Digital World with New Tech.
Gen Z, born after Millennials, was the first to grow up with a smartphone in primary school. Gen Alpha is even more tech-savvy and has access to more advanced technology.
The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, making them essential tools for comms, work, and learning. While younger gens are more comfortable with tech, older gens like Gen X have had to adapt to new tech.
Members of Gen Alpha are growing up with tech as the norm. They will continue to push the boundaries in a fully digital world.
Gen Alpha are the most racially diverse generation in the United States and the rest of the world. And they are the first gen with a Greek alphabet.
It will be interesting to see how the alphas use tech to shape society’s future.
Gen Z are Half-Digital Natives with a Cause
Gen Z has been socialized and groomed to be digitally active. They are adept at managing their digital footprint with ease and have a strong affinity for social media.
As per research by HBR, 73% of digital natives are involved in B2B product or purchase decision-making, and about one-third are sole decision-makers.
Gen Z is the gen with a cause that has taken up social issues like gender equality and climate change.
Gen Alpha kids are socializing from birth to be digitally active.
Alphas are shrewd, innovative, and dynamic young people valuing diversity and new ideas.
Gen Z’s main focus lies on causes and social media advocacy, while Gen Alpha prefers innovation and new ideas.
Gen Alpha are Tech Leaders in the Making for Digital World
Gen Alpha will eventually become the largest generation ever, with a new member born every 9 seconds globally, 2.5M every week, and ~2.5B by 2025 (25% of the entire population).
Growing up with tech has made Gen Alpha more digitally empowered than any group. This gen can navigate digital spaces confidently.
Gen Alpha nurtures a passion for global issues like climate change, poverty, refugee crises, digital disinformation, and mental health. They are vocal advocates of social media platforms that promote positive social change.
Moreover, Gen Alpha will mark a new digital age as new tech advances exponentially. Furthermore, they will be the generation-defining digital culture in the 21st century.
As Gen Zers enter college and the workforce. Recognize their strengths, values, and goals to help them thrive in the digital world.
Gen Alpha Vs Gen Z
Gen Z is mobile-first and voice-activated. On social media, Gen Z has a penchant for authenticity and transparency. Gen Alpha is more likely to be social media savvy and creative in advertising on digital platforms.
Alphas are tech-skilled, creative, innovative, enthusiastic, and open-minded in their digital media consumption habits compared to Gen Z. A generation known for its digital prowess and social media savviness. Who prefers reliability, security, and privacy over the newness of media formats and innovations.
Gen Alpha will focus on careers that can make a positive impact on the world. Choosing doctor, veterinarian and scientist as their top career picks (30%) [Source: Razorfish x TPL Ethnographies, 2022].
Overall, Gen Alpha will instill new values in the social media world that change the current dynamics.
Related articles
Frequently Asked Questions
– Digital Natives
– Diverse and Inclusive
– Entrepreneurial
– Pragmatic and Realistic
– Socially Conscious
– Short Attention Span
Gen Alpha exhibits traits of tech-savviness, a collaborative spirit, and an emphasis on creativity and innovation.
While both gens share traits like adaptability, Gen Alpha is even more tech-immersed and globally aware.
Generation Alpha’s characteristics include a strong focus on sustainability, resilience, and a natural affinity for digital devices.
Gen Z leans towards individualism, whereas Gen Alpha excels in collaboration and innovation.
Yes, Gen Alpha’s unique traits include early tech proficiency and a stronger emphasis on working together.
Gen Alpha is marked by creativity, innovation, global awareness, and responsibility towards the environment.
Both gens display adaptability, albeit in different contexts, and a sense of social responsibility.
The key difference lies in Gen Alpha’s tech proficiency and a deeper engagement with global issues.
Gen Alpha includes those born from the 2010-2025 onward which encompasses those born from the mid-1990s to early 2010s.
Furthermore, Gen Beta will start from 2025 onwards. They are the next gen after Gen alpha.
Conclusion
It’s no surprise that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are two of the most tech-savvy gens in history. They are natives growing up with social media and digital tech.
Because of this, Gen Alpha better understands digital tech and digital marketing than Gen Z does. Gen Alpha will use digital marketing channels like social media and email marketing extensively.
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