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19th April 2024
03:02pm BST
According to leading sociologist Dr. Melissa Bohnert, Generation Alpha - children born after 2010 - have been immersed in an exceptionally digitised environment from birth.
As researchers delve into their behaviours as a result of this, it is becoming clear that this generation's upbringing has been profoundly influenced by factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic and unrestricted access to the online world.
In a recent interview on Newstalk’s Moncrieff, Dr. Bohnert highlighted the pivotal role of the pandemic in shaping the lives of Generation Alpha.
"They have traversed crucial developmental stages amidst the pandemic," she noted.
"During periods of lockdown, outdoor socialisation and play were restricted, prompting parents to resort to digital devices like iPads to keep their children engaged."
The pandemic, Dr. Bohnert emphasised, propelled Generation Alpha even further into the digital sphere.
"Born after the entrance of the smartphone in 2008, these children have been raised in a digital landscape where technology is omnipresent and tailored towards their age group," she explained.
"Their seamless integration with digital platforms underscores the distinctive characteristic of this generation."
Concerns are now arising regarding the excessive screen time among Generation Alpha.
Dr. Bohnert said that alarming statistics reveal that nearly 40% of nine-year-olds engage in over three hours of screen time daily.
She also highlighted the unique dynamic of parenting in the digital age, with many Generation Alpha parents being tech-fluent themselves, which is shaping their parenting styles.
Despite these societal shifts, Dr. Bohnert said: "The delineation of generations is somewhat arbitrary.
"The overlap between late Gen Z and Generation Alpha blurs distinctions, but these designations serve as a valuable framework for analysing social changes and recognising diverse cohorts."
Generation Alpha is expected to include all children born until 2030, marking a new chapter in the evolution of societal norms and technological integration.
As researchers continue to explore the implications of a digitised upbringing on Generation Alpha, it becomes important to adapt and understand the unique challenges and opportunities presented by this tech-savvy generation.
