Jersey City — Is it time for Gen Z to step out of the limelight and make room for the next generation?
A new Harvard Business Review Analytic Services Report explores the business case for understanding Generation Alpha, Gen Z’s successor.
Known as the children of Millenials and younger siblings of Gen Z, Generation Alpha represent those born between 2010 and 2024. The generation is expected to house 2.2 million members globally by 2025.
As noted by the Harvard Analytic Services Report, Generation Alpha is the first generation to be raised in a world where artificial intelligence and augmented reality are at the tip of their fingertips.
The elders of the generation are able to use platforms like ChatGPT to ease their way through school work, the younger members of the generation have experienced augmented reality gaming headsets from the comfort of their homes.
While Gen Z is notably known as the digital-first generation, experts at Harvard argue that Generation Alpha will be the most technologically advanced generation the world has ever seen.
Unlike Gen Z, Gen Alpha favors gaming social interaction over utilizing social media to connect with others. The generation spends time interacting and socializing with their friends, attending concerts and shopping for their avatars on popular gaming platforms like Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft and Rec Room.
This is likely due to their young age (and the age limits set on social platforms) for users. However, for a generation of “iPad kids” and Twitch streamers, it is theorized that gaming may very well replace the use of social media for Gen Alpha.
Gen Alpha is also well equipped at using digital currency. As avid gamers, a bulk of the generation would prefer to spend their money on a virtual good then a physical item for themselves. This means that Gen Alpha is likely to crave immersive digital experiences in addition to engaging in-person experiences.
Keeping it gee, Gen Alpha has a few years ahead of them before they enter the workforce, which will ultimately provide them with the finances to influence purchasing power. Companies that have the ability to trend forecast the interests of the generation now, will have an upperhand on securing them as customers.
Miranda Perez (she/her/hers) is a Jersey City, NJ-based journalist who covers the tech industry. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @mimithegee.
Edited by NaTyshca Pickett