SOURCES Understanding Generation Alpha (McCrindle Research)
New platforms continue to pop up which seemingly address every preference (non- monogamy, group dating) and user profile (LGBTQ+, unable to have children, creatives, countryside dwellers). From apps that are ‘designed to be deleted,’ to making profiles ‘text first, selfies second,’ users can digitally curate their meet-cutes. With the eldest Gen Alphas approaching the dating age, it’s unclear how they’ll go about it. What does romance look like to a digital native? Will they have online partners whom they’ve never met? Will dating apps see a rebound or their demise? It’s ultimately up to developers to decide. Like video games, dating apps are becoming increasingly commercialised. Users can pay for premium benefits such as unlimited likes or the ability to set any location, making the playing field uneven. The most financially able Gen Alphas may well get the most dates, all else aside. HIGH HOPES For older folks, the idea of children ageing alongside artificial intelligence, virtual reality and smart devices sounds like science fiction. Ironically, young people won’t think twice about it. But there is an intangible danger in digitising everything (so long, imperfections and accidents), and the worry largely lies in forgetting our physical world, Ready Player One style. For those who didn’t grow up with technology – or who haven’t exactly warmed to it – there’s a fear of the unknown at play. How can we protect kids when we don’t even know what they’re up against? Gen Alpha and its successors will mature into a world that’s filled with uncertainty. Technology is constantly transforming; legislation usually falls behind. Political turbulence abounds; education is getting a major overhaul. Romance is going digital; some would say it’s dying. “While it’s important to be realistic about the challenges of the future,” begins Fell, “we do a disservice to Gen Alpha by constantly reminding them of these.” Luckily, information is more accessible than ever, and McCrindle and Fell predict that Gen Alpha will be the most diverse, financially well-off, formally educated group of people to ever exist. “Their future is bright, and like every other generation, they will find the tools they need to thrive in it,” states Fell. In short: they’ll be fine. The world is changing, as is the media landscape, but when has that ever been a bad thing?
Media habits are changing for young adults (Forbes)
The new digital dark age (Wired)
The presidency in the television era (UVA)
Meet Gen Alpha (Business Insider)
The danger of digitising everything (Wired)
COVID KIDS Politics aside, digital media touches just about every facet of contemporary life – even more so for Gen Alpha. On an individual level, young people may simultaneously feel connected and isolated. According to clinical psychologist Eileen Kennedy- Moore, frequent social media use can heighten self- awareness, induce social comparison and feelings of worthlessness. Alternatively, constant contact with the world around them will lead to a more collaborative, globalised humankind. During the pandemic, tech companies realised the value of remote solutions, for working, learning or simply staying in touch. These seem to be here to stay, as community is a higher priority than ever. For many Gen Alphas, being ‘Covid kids’ (the pandemic comprising a large part of their formative years), the online world has been integral to their upbringing. We can expect these digital tools to have an increasing presence in education; McCrindle and Fell predict that Gen Alphas will never take a written exam. Platforms and virtual learning environments like Google Classroom, Zoom and Canvas will likely become invaluable to both students and educators, enabling synchronous and asynchronous course delivery, online essay submissions and digital grade books. Eventually, schools may even introduce VR headsets or mixed-reality glasses. CAN’T BUY ME LOVE The same can be said for working, socialising and even finding a romantic partner. Dating apps seem to be everywhere these days, but according to Kate Lindsay for Bustle , their ‘golden age’ has come and gone. Younger generations are tired of the same song and dance, with some opting out altogether.
Dating apps are in their flop era (Bustle)
LIKE EVERY GENERATION, THEY WILL FIND THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO THRIVE
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