Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
In a world where entertainment is a never-ending pursuit, online video streaming services like YouTube takes advantage. From watching movies to listening to music, YouTube has made media consumption simple and convenient.
YouTube is one of the most popular platforms for entertainment at present. It has a large user base of over 1 billion people who have watched hundreds of millions of videos on the platform.
Most people prefer watching videos online because they are readily available and free of time constraints.
However, YouTube influencers with huge followings have also emerged on this platform. Hopefully, with Neal Mohan taking over YouTube as CEO will change things for better.
This blog will cover what we believe is an influencer generation gap between generations X and gen alpha, how social media algorithms attract Generation Alpha, and much more!
TL;DR
This article highlights the impact of YouTube on entertainment consumption and how it has influenced the preferences of Generation Alpha, the first fully digital generation. The platform has become a mainstream source of entertainment and a tool for marketers to reach and engage with this tech-savvy generation. Social media algorithms attract Generation Alpha by tailoring content to their interests, while influencer culture has also made an impact on this generation. However, issues such as false representation in advertising and unhealthy media consumption are also addressed.
The impact of YouTube on entertainment consumption
Generation alpha, known as digital handshakers, are born between 2010 and 2024.
This generation has increased their dependence on digital media in their daily lives and has an increase in consumerism and a decrease in interest in politics.
As a result, marketers have found new avenues to reach Gen Alpha consumers through online video platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
This generation is tech-savvy and is constantly on social media and blogs for updates. Besides, with technological advancements like IoT, Gen alpha can be easily influenced by advertisements through smart devices.
Therefore, marketers must consider Gen Alphas’ influence on cognitive attitudes before building a marketing strategy around them.
The Rise of YouTube as a Mainstream Entertainment Platform
YouTube is a popular platform for entertainment, with many users turning to it for content.
As a result, brands have recognized the potential of YouTube and invested in content and collaboration with crowdsourced communities to maximize their reach.
It has led to the creation of memes, buzz, and fashions that have become the common language of YouTube content.
In doing so, brands are creating new ways to connect with their audience, building their brands while engaging with fans on a more personalized level.
The viral nature of YouTube has made content from this platform reach a diverse audience, making it popular for marketers and brands.
Videos have become a common way for them to promote their products or messages creatively and engagingly.
By creating innovative content using this platform and collaborating with online communities and influencers, brands can creatively engage with Gen Alpha audiences.
The role of YouTube in shaping Generation Alphas’ entertainment preferences
The influence of YouTube on generation alpha is immense. The video-sharing platform has played a vital role in shaping the entertainment preferences of this generation.
The internet has become a primary source of entertainment for Generation Alpha, and they spend hours on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Also, ads on YouTube and Facebook play a role in influencing Gen Alphas’ purchase decisions.
With increased internet usage, Generation Alpha is more aware of online shopping than before.
This generation loves experimenting with new things and is open to new experiences.
How do social media algorithms attract Gen Alpha?
According to research by Statista, 82% of US children under 18 years old use YouTube as the most popular platform for daily entertainment.
It is mainly due to the variety of video formats, such as podcasts, videos, and gamification offered by the platform.
Also, video formats are favored by Gen Alpha as they are visual and have a shorter attention span and concentration time.
Moreover, a study by eMarketer found that 76% of kids ages 12-17 go online daily on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and YouTube.
It shows how kids are in relating to these platforms.
Also, to attract young alphas, YouTube has a range of algorithms that allow it to tailor content to each user’s interests, making it more engaging and attractive.
Just like YouTube, the new generation is getting pulled into the world of Metaverse, which we will discuss in a different post. So, opt-in to get an early access to the article.
Generation Alpha and Millennial parents are drowning in the world of influencers.
Youtube is a popular video-sharing website that has gained immense popularity over the years.
It offers a platform for video creators to share their creative ideas and make videos for an audience.
It is a major influencer in the global market, with many young people watching videos on it.
Youtube works by automatically scanning through the content on its servers and identifying the videos that are being viewed or clicked the most.
Once it identifies a video, it will try to rank it higher on the search results.
It helps people find videos they are interested in and makes them easy to access.
The videos found on Youtube have various genres, such as comedy, gaming, fashion, education, art, music, etc.,
But who exactly makes these videos?
Many people from all age groups working in studios and devotedly making videos for enjoyment.
Some of these people may be Generation Alpha doing youtube reviews or using social media influencers as a tool to build an online business.
However, some issues around youtube include false representation of products or brands online. It leads to increased consumption of unhealthy media.
Hungry marketers cashing in on Generation Alpha
Generation Alpha is the first fully digital generation of the 21st century.
The prediction is that the Generation Alpha population will reach 2.5 billion members by 2025.
This generation has already started making a mark on global media with their unique interests and perspectives. Marketers are already targeting Generation Alpha with tailored ads.
As the millennial generation ages, they are also adjusting to this new demographic and are getting more involved in their social media habits.
Their media preferences and purchasing decisions have a profound effect on the industry.
As a result, marketers use data from parents of Generation Alpha to forecast how these children will be raised and what they want from the media.
Businesses need to understand Generation Alpha as they continue to target millennials growing interest in digital media.
The plight of helpless millennial parents in the consumerism world.
Gen Alpha is the offspring of millennials and the first cohort born in the social generation.
They are exposed to brands as early as age three. It’s no surprise that they are increasingly looking at brands.
Moreover, leading them to be more interested in traditional consumerism.
87% of Gen Alpha parents report their children to influence their purchase decisions, suggesting a strong interest in branded products.
Gen Zs and Gen Alphas have an increased spending power of many billions in disposable income, but traditional marketing strategies aren’t effective with them.
Unfortunately, millennials have no choice but to give in to digital natives and surrender to consumerism.
The impact of online content on mental health and well-being
Young people are exposed to online content daily.
It includes social media, videos, online gaming, and e-readers. These activities can harm the mental health and well-being of millennials.
Exposure to online content such as pornography, violence, and traumatic events can cause anxiety, fear, and confusion.
The prolonged exposure to online content links to feelings of helplessness and depression.
Among other effects, children may be more prone to risky behaviors like smoking or using drugs.
Moreover, they may experience social anxiety or depression due to constant internet usage.
The COVID pandemic has disrupted education and services designed to protect vulnerable children.
It has resulted in increased access to online content.
The struggle to filter inappropriate content
Online content and environment can harm mental health, as evidenced by a Utah mother’s experience in 2015 when she found a photograph of her children with pornographic hashtags on a social media page.
Young people can be exposed to potentially damaging information through various platforms, including chat applications, social networks, video games, and video calls.
Young people need to use their experience navigating the online world to learn how to protect themselves from harmful content while still engaging in online activities that are important for their psychological development.
While online activities can be time-consuming and exciting, young people must balance online engagement with other vital aspects of their lives. Digital literacy is a must in this digital age.
Recommendations for parents, educators, and policymakers
Educators, parents, and policymakers should be prepared to discuss the potential downsides of social media and metaverse with children.
Moreover, they must help kids understand the benefits and dangers of social media.
Furthermore, educators can help kids stay safe online by teaching them how to identify and avoid predators, stay safe online, and know their digital rights.
A digital literacy curriculum must be part of regular sciences.
It is also important for parents to provide feedback on social media products and services that their children use.
Education about social media is vital to lessen the risks associated with online content.
Marketers should design content that appeals to parents and children across various media apps.
Parents should be aware of the online world and use their experience to help their children navigate it.
Educators, parents, and govt. can promote a safe internet culture for all users by engaging in these discussions.
Related articles
- Gen Alpha And Social Media Influencer Culture
- The Ethics of Technology: Teaching Generation Alpha to Navigate the Digital World
- Helping Gen Alpha Thrive: Super-Parent Strategy
- STEM Education: Developing Gen Alpha’s Future Skills
- Generation Alpha’s love for gaming
- Raising Financially Literate Kids: The Importance of Teaching Financial Literacy
- Understanding Digital Citizenship for Generation Alpha
- The Importance of Outdoor Play for Generation Alpha Kids
- The Future of Privacy: Protecting Generation Alpha in a Tech-Dominated World
- Rethinking the Education System: How to Promote Student-Centered Learning
Conclusion
Generation Alpha is a generation of digital natives who don’t see social media as a fad. They are social media savvy from a young age and are growing up with influencers, influencer marketing, and online content.
The generation is tech-savvy and wants to consume social media content in the most practical way possible—via mobile devices.
Generation Alpha is also more comfortable with self-expression through social media platforms, which has led to higher posts having suicidal thoughts or pleas for help.
Although YouTube is an influencer marketing powerhouse, this era’s craving for mobile content and social media dependence can also be a challenge for marketers to overcome.
Furthermore, it would be wise for brands to develop interactive social media strategies that cater to Gen Alpha’s preference for mobile-first apps like Facebook and Instagram.
Besides that, influencer marketing campaigns should ensure that influencer bios accurately reflect their followers’ demographics (age range and gender) and their preferred social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc.).
What’s your take on generation alpha? Tell us in the comments section below!
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