A combination that could bring the most impactful results yet
In her book “ Generations ,” Jean Twenge says that many people believe that major events such as wars, economic crises or even pandemics are the main markers of generational differences.
While these events likely define shared characteristics, she points out that the most significant influence may come from something else: technology.
Millennials have grown up alongside the evolution of the internet. Thirty years ago, the power of connectivity, even for simple things like searching for basic information, was profound. Today, the internet is an essential foundation of commerce, society, and more.
Fifteen years ago, Generation Z kids were closely following the evolution of smartphones and social media. Real-time interaction, even if it was just taking and posting photos on their phones, was revolutionary. Today, smartphones are multifunctional devices and connecting to social media is instantaneous.
If you look closely, there is a pattern to these innovation cycles and how each generation grows up with them. Millennials saw the internet as a catalyst that would shape their lives, leading many to pursue careers in computer science and information technology.
Gen Z has monetized mobile devices and social platforms, creating an entire industry of content creators for engaged audiences. And the speed of technological innovation is shortening the generation gap.
Now, Generation Alpha is growing up with the evolution of generative AI. The ability to generate near-instant results in text and image formats, even with simple prompts like “write a toast for a wedding,” is impressive. Today, we’re already seeing how rapid updates are changing the landscape of AI tools.
We know that millennials and Gen Z are tech-savvy, meeting with colleagues from around the world, planning vacations on their phones, and shopping for products on social media. What we don’t yet know is how growing up in the AI innovation cycle will affect Gen Alpha.
Here are four areas that organizations should pay close attention to as this generation moves into adulthood in the coming years.
INSTANTANEOUS INTELLIGENCE
The pandemic forced Generation Alpha to adapt to online learning, leading to early exposure to technology and a virtual learning environment. Later, AI further changed the educational experience.
We know that members of Generation Alpha are passionate but impatient learners, with over 60% of them saying they prefer things that take less time to learn and are easy to master.
AI fits this profile perfectly, offering a shortcut for students to achieve their goals. Once the result is achieved, the focus shifts to understanding the details through reverse engineering.
SOCIAL NETWORKS AND AI
With the rise of TikTok, there has been an increased emphasis on short-form videos. Platforms like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels have followed suit.
How Generation Alpha consumes content can impact everything from attention spans to learning styles and future workflows.
While all generations have been enchanted by the ability of large language models (LLMs) to generate text, organizations should take a close look at not if, but how Generation Alpha is using AI.
Text-to-video conversion tools may have greater value in the future as technology advances and ethical issues are resolved.
HOMES FULL OF TECHNOLOGY
This generation is growing up in homes filled with multi-functional technological devices, and 65% of parents say technology has a positive impact on their children.
In the case of AI, this stronger support could change the landscape. It’s one thing for parents to not prevent the use of artificial intelligence, but quite another for them to encourage their children to use it. This dynamic could accelerate the adoption of AI in many areas of daily life.
THE AUTHENTIC VERSUS THE ARTIFICIAL
Like Gen Z, Alpha is purpose-driven, prioritizes comfort, and values authenticity. But how will they feel about consuming AI-generated content?
It’s an intriguing question, and one that we won’t have an answer to anytime soon, but companies should watch which way the scales tip. If Gen Alpha doesn’t care if content is generated by AI, it could mean a major shift in industry standards and expectations for information sharing.
If they prioritize transparency and demand it from organizations, those looking to use AI tools will need to take steps to maintain the trust of these young consumers.
Growing up in a cycle of innovation can define a generation. Technology is certainly not the only factor in cultural differences between age groups, but the parallels are fascinating to study.
With its power and potential to transform the world, the current combination of generative AI and Generation Alpha could bring about the most impactful results ever seen.
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