Gen Z Vs Gen Alpha 2023: 7 Glaring Characteristics

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There are many ways to measure “Gen Z Vs Gen Alpha.” 

The most notable characteristics include that generation alpha is more digital-oriented than previous generations, and they demand immediate responses.

Gen Z Vs Gen Alpha
Photo by Kylo on Unsplash

Here are 7 key characteristics between Gen Z Vs Gen Alpha

Generation Z (Gen Z)Generation Alpha (Gen Alpha)
1Born between mid-1990s to mid-2000sBorn between 2010s to mid-2020s
2Mostly grew up in a post-9/11 worldWill grow up in a post-pandemic world
3Grew up with smartphones and social mediaBorn into a world where smartphones and social media are ubiquitous
4More likely to be independent and value individualityMore likely to be collaborative and value inclusivity
5More likely to be politically and socially engagedWill have a greater awareness of social and environmental issues from a young age
6Experienced economic recession and student debt crisisYet to experience major economic challenges and new age education reforms
7Generally more skeptical and less trusting of institutionsMay have greater trust in technology and institutions due to growing up with them


SEVEN Characteristics: Gen Z Vs Gen Alpha

Two Generations (Gen Z Vs Gen Alpha), Two Internet Worlds

Gen Alpha, born between 2010 and 2025, is the first native digital generation to grow in a world saturated with social media and smartphones. They will grow up with social media and smartphones integral to their daily lives. Technology will act as a connection with family and friends digitally, unlike previous generations (Baby Boomers, Generation X).

Gen Z, born before gen z, are sometimes called half-digital natives as they have grown up in a world where technology took birth with them. They are known for their quick-wittedness.

The pandemic has highlighted technological advances in recent years. The young generation is growing up with tablets, smartphones, and apps, making the transition to remote learning and virtual communication easier. 

Members of Generation Alpha, the new generation born between the 2010s and mid-2020s, are fully immersed in a digital world. They spend an average of 4 hours every day on screen time, including using devices like iPads, Siri, Alexa, and tablets. 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

The Rise of Generation Alpha: Growing Up in a Fully Digital World with Advanced Technology.

Gen Z, born after Millennials, was the first to grow up with the option to use a smartphone in primary school. Generation 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 communication, work, and learning. While younger generations are more comfortable with technology, older generations like Gen X have had to adapt to new technology. 

Members of Generation Alpha are growing up with technology as the norm. They will continue to push the boundaries in a fully digital world. 

They are the most racially diverse generation in the United States and the rest of the world. And they are the first generation with a Greek alphabet. 

It will be interesting to see how the alphas use technology to shape society’s future.

Gen Z: Half-Digital Natives with a Cause

Gen Z has been socialized and groomed from an early age to be digitally active. As a result, 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 therefore considered the generation with a cause that has taken up social issues like gender equality and climate change with a sense of responsibility.

Gen Alpha is another generation of digital natives born in the 2010s. Alphas are socializing from birth to be digitally active.

Alphas are shrewd, innovative, and dynamic young individuals who value diversity and new ideas above all else.

There is a significant difference in the outlook between Gen Z Vs Gen Alpha: Gen Z’s main focus lies on causes and social media advocacy, whereas Gen Alpha prefers innovation and new ideas.

Gen Alpha: 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 technology has made Gen Alpha more digitally empowered than any group. This generation is more tech-savvy than previous ones, able to navigate digital spaces confidently.

Gen Alpha nurtures a passion for global issues such as climate change, poverty, refugee crises, digital disinformation, and mental health. They are vocal advocates of social media platforms that promote positive social change.

Moreover, Generation Alpha will mark a new digital age as technology advances quickly and 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 so you can help them thrive in the digital world.

Gen Z Vs Gen Alpha: A Battle of the Titans

Generation Z is mobile-first and voice-activated. On social media, Generation 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.

Gen Alpha is tech-savvy, creative, innovative, enthusiastic, and open-minded in their digital media consumption habits compared to Gen Z- a generation known for its digital proficiency and social media savviness- who prefers reliability, security, and privacy over the newness of media formats and innovations.

Overall, Gen Alpha will instill new values in the social media world that might change the current dynamics of digital media marketing.

Conclusion

It’s no surprise that Generation Z and Generation Alpha are two of the most tech-savvy generation in history. They are digital natives who will grow up with social media and digital tech, and they understand it better than anyone.

Because of this, Generation Alpha better understands digital technology and digital marketing than Generation Z does. Because of their digital world mindset, Generation Alpha will use digital marketing channels like social media and email marketing extensively.


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