They are part of the fourth-grade generation that stood out for their SIMCE results, and by 2035, they will represent 24% of the global workforce (McCrindle, 2024). Generation Alpha (2010-2024) was born alongside the first iPad and Instagram, growing up entirely immersed in touchscreens used as pacifiers, educational tools, and entertainment. In fact, 63% of them discovered sports first through video games (Nielsen, 2024).

With so much stimulation, they matured rapidly, developing an understanding of their environment that challenges traditional norms. Many have created their own content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, influencing their parents’ purchasing decisions more than any previous generation.

Many Alphas are only children or have just one sibling, which limits their social development and collaboration skills. They also seem to be less activist than their predecessor Generation Z regarding causes like climate change, diversity, or equity. Their Millennial parents follow a “respectful and emotion-centered” parenting style, making them more aware of their mental well-being. This has led to the inclusion of emotional literacy activities in schools due to the high frustration they feel when things are not resolved at the speed of a click.

While many of these young people exhibit uncontrolled digital consumption—even losing up to one night of sleep per week due to social media—there is a growing movement toward social regulation by parents and educational communities in response to scientific evidence of the harmful effects on brain development (“more anxious, depressed, or prone to self-harm,” Jonathan Haidt, 2024).

Although they are expected to be the most educated generation in history (surpassing Gen Z in completing secondary and higher education), raising Alphas is a significant challenge for parents struggling to limit screen time and manage their need for immediacy. For educators, it is even more complex, as traditional school formats do not align with the reality of these children of Artificial Intelligence.

From a more human perspective, the constant challenge for Generation Alpha will be to overcome their ‘fragmented attention’ and develop deep thinking, which undoubtedly requires focus and digital disconnection. Added to this is the so-called ‘metacognitive laziness’ that stems from dependence on AI to perform tasks that could be completed without technological assistance (Flacso, 2024).

Reading a book, reflecting, contemplating, and developing critical and creative thinking require concentration, mindfulness, and discipline. In any case, this challenge goes beyond this generation, and truth be told, we adults are not setting a very good example.

Mónica Retamal
Executive Director
Opinion Column for El Mercurio