Generation Alpha, a cohort largely unfamiliar to many, is rapidly expanding and poised to surpass the Baby Boomers in numbers. Many of its members are likely to witness the dawn of the 22nd century. But What Generation Is 2024 a part of? The answer lies in understanding the generational boundaries and the unique characteristics of this up-and-coming group.
Defining Generation Alpha
Generation Alpha encompasses individuals born between 2010 and 2024, making those born in 2024 the last of this generation. Globally, over 2.8 million Alphas are born each week. By 2025, their numbers will reach nearly 2 billion, making them the largest generation in history.
Key Traits of Generation Alpha
Despite their young age, Generation Alpha wields considerable brand influence and purchasing power. They are shaping social media trends, influencing popular culture, and emerging as significant consumers. As the 2020s draw to a close, they will transition into adulthood, enter the workforce, and form households. Several characteristics define this unique generation:
The Most Materially Endowed Generation
Alphas are the most materially privileged generation ever, possess unparalleled technological skills, and are projected to live longer than any previous generation.
Extended Adolescence
They will remain in education longer, begin their careers later, and stay at home with their parents for a more extended period than their Gen Z and Gen Y predecessors. Consequently, parents will play a role in their lives for a more extended age range, with many Alphas likely residing at home well into their late 20s.
The Great Screen Age
This generation is part of an unprecedented global experiment where screens are introduced at a very young age, serving as pacifiers, entertainers, and educational tools. This pervasive “screen age” has profound effects on individuals, especially during their formative years.
This exposure can lead to shorter attention spans, gamified education, enhanced digital literacy, and altered social development. Born around the time of the iPad’s launch, Instagram’s creation, and “app” being named word of the year, Generation Alpha has been immersed in screens from their earliest moments.
The Impact on Learning
The increased reliance on screens and technology will undoubtedly influence Generation Alpha’s education.
While traditional childhood experiences like piano lessons, sports, and reading will still be relevant, technology will play an increasingly significant role in how Alphas learn. This trend is already evident among Gen Z, with TikTok becoming the third most popular platform for students to learn new skills, surpassing even parents. The internet provides unprecedented access to information for these emerging generations.
Economic Influence
By 2029, as the oldest Alphas enter adulthood and the youngest reach age five, their economic impact will exceed US$5.46 trillion. This highlights the importance of organizations considering Generation Alpha as the consumer of the future.
The Naming of Generation Alpha
The name “Generation Alpha” was chosen to signify a new beginning, rather than a return to the old. After working through Generations X, Y, and Z, and drawing inspiration from the use of the Greek alphabet in meteorology, the decision was made to name the next cohort Generation Alpha.
Generational definitions are most useful when they span a consistent age range, allowing for meaningful comparisons. Each generation typically spans 15 years: Generation Y (Millennials) from 1980 to 1994, Generation Z from 1995 to 2009, and Generation Alpha from 2010 to 2024. Following this pattern, Generation Beta will be born from 2025 to 2039.
Conclusion
Understanding what generation is 2024 part of—Generation Alpha—is crucial for businesses, educators, and anyone interested in the future. As digital natives with unique characteristics and significant economic influence, they are poised to reshape the world in profound ways. The oldest of Generation Beta will not be born until 2025 so we have some time before we need to start to think about the characteristics that will define this new generation.
