Generation Alpha, born between 2010 and 2025, is the first generation to grow up exclusively in the digital age. They don’t know life and living without it and, with technology playing an increasingly important role in their lives, these kids are now experiencing a childhood that is vastly different from previous generations. From the way they learn to the way they play and interact with others, technology is shaping the world of Generation Alpha in profound, yet potentially dangerous ways.
Introduction to Generation Alpha and Technology.
Children of Generation Alpha, the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age, are facing a childhood that is a world apart from previous generations, due to the drastic effect of technology and its advancements. From smartphones and tablets to social media, robots and A.I., digital tech is moulding the manner in which young minds engage in education. Not only this but interaction with the world around them on the whole is becoming more and more dependent on various tech and digital services. As technology continues to evolve, it’s important to understand the outcome of this civilisational shift on this new generation.
Generation Alpha kids are growing up in a realm where technology is ubiquitous. They are exposed to screens from a very young age, and many of them can, almost expertly, navigate smartphones and tablets before they can even talk. This has led to concerns about the influence of technology on their development, and reasonably so. Despite this, it’s important to remember that technology can also be a powerful tool for knowledge acquisition and exploration, as well as overall educational development. This is only the case, however, when tech is used with moderation and marshalled by overseers who understand the potential risks.
As parents and educators, it’s our responsibility to help our kids navigate the digital world in a safe, healthy and productive manner, while also encouraging them to explore the world around them in more traditional ways too. By striking a balance between technology and real-life experiences, we can help Generation Alpha kids thrive in the digital age and usher in a new breed, destined to make the best of both worlds.
Technology’s Influence on Learning and Education.
It is abundantly clear to see that technology has revolutionised the way Generation Alpha kids learn and receive education. With the rise of online learning platforms (such as Online Super Tutors 😊), educational apps, and interactive digital tools, kids now have access to a wealth of information and resources, literally at their fingertips. This has made learning more dynamic, customisable, and captivating allowing kids to learn at their own pace, in their own way, and at the same time, feel more entertained while doing so.
Nevertheless, it’s important to balance technology with traditional teaching methods to ensure a well-rounded education. The reason for this is that traditional teaching methods usually involve the ‘archaic tools’ of papyrus and quill (That is to say, paper and pen or pencil, of course!). Use of such ‘old school’ materials by hand, improves motor function and encodes knowledge and experience to long term memory more effectively. It naturally follows that quicker, more deeply entrenched consolidation is established, and thus better recall from memory is a given. This is also experienced when reading a physical book as opposed to a digital resource from a screen – see our short 3-part series Tools For Fools below, for more details:
One of the biggest benefits of technology in education is the ability to personalise learning and tailor it to the needs and learning style of each individual student. With online platforms and apps, kids can work at their own pace and focus on areas where they require more help, at any time and, oftentimes, anywhere. As interactive digital tools also make learning more intriguing and fun, kids tend to stay motivated and interested in their studies for longer – it may seem to them as though they are playing games because much of the newest digital tech is associated with leisure time activities. Plus, modern tech devices tend to look pretty cool too 😎.
On the contrary, it’s important to remember that technology should never replace traditional teaching methods completely. Kids still need face-to-face interaction with teachers, parents, guardians and peers, as well as hands-on learning experiences in a wide range of subjects and, both indoor and outdoor exertions. By finding a balance between tech-based learning and traditional methods, we can ensure that Generation Alpha kids receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for a future that, barring a robot revolution, will certainly have need for both epoch’s skillsets. See our complete guide to raising Generation Alpha kids here.
The Role of Technology in Play and Socialisation.
We mentioned the illusion of playtime that comes with educational tech use. And it is readily apparent that tech has had a significant impact on the way Generation Alpha kids play and socialise as well.
I personally remember when I was a child, we had to wait, for what seemed like an age, between gaming sessions with friends and family. This was because all opponents had to be in the same room, using a split screen on the same old cathode ray tube television. Or for portable gaming, forget smartphones – we had to link Nintendo Game Boys together, with a physical cable! Bluetooth hadn’t been invented yet, and Wi-Fi was merely a twinkle in one’s eye.
Yet, with the immense growth and adoption of online gaming and social media platforms, kids are now able to connect with others from all over the world and engage in virtual play experiences from hand held devices more powerful than the computers that put mankind on the moon. While this can be a great way to foster creativity and social skills, it’s important to ensure that kids are still taking advantage of face-to-face interactions and traditional physical play, so as to develop the important social and physical skills needed in the real world, where people interact face-to-face for many-an-encounter.
To all intents and purposes, for Generation Alpha kids, technology is undeniably and irrevocably a natural part of their play and socialisation. Given the current situation, it seems like they could never revert to a solely traditional means of social engagement. They are growing up in a world where smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles are virtually omnipresent, and they are often more comfortable with these devices than conversing with their parents or grandparents, aunties or uncles.
Indubitably, technology provides new, exciting and ever-evolving ways to play and connect with others, however, it’s important to remember that it can never be a direct replacement for getting out in the wild and embracing the hunter-gatherer instinct we are endowed with. Parents and guardians can help with this, firstly by setting limits on screen time and sticking to them.
Secondly, we must all encourage outdoor play and seek or provide opportunities for kids to engage in group activities and sports. Great ideas include physically demanding challenges like kayaking, hiking or safe rock or wall climbing. Indoor activities could involve cooking practice, drawing and painting, and utilising traditional board games and puzzles.
Besides the wealth of sports clubs we can enjoy, more cerebral outdoor activities might see visits to museums, art or photography exhibitions or cultural treasure hunt trips to another town, city or even country (minimal use of digital devices recommended!)
Potential Risks and Challenges of Technology for Generation Alpha.
Contrary to the benefits highlighted in the previous section, it’s crucial to identify the fact that, while technology brings many benefits for Generation Alpha kids, there are also serious potential risks and challenges to consider. Excessive screen time can lead to physical health problems such as obesity, eye strain and insomnia, as well as mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Although the latter two can be caused by screen time, they are, more often than not, the result of the way social interaction plays out in online spaces. The internet and its various communication channels provides the perfect devil’s playground, where trolls, keyboard warriors and other predatory miscreants are protected by anonymity, and can easily transform into surreptitious sources of psychological abuse.
Moreover, the clandestine nature of online interactions opens up the possibility of cyberbullying amongst peers too. Thus, it is not only actual real criminals we should be wary of – indeed, sometimes the greatest threats are ones closest to home.
All of the aforementioned issues present potential threats which, left unchecked, can cause other highly undesirable perils and, ultimately, could even lead to lethal outcomes. Consequently, it’s important for parents and caregivers to monitor and limit screen time, as well as educate kids on safe and responsible technology use. See our article on how to manage screentime via a holistic learning approach here.
Another challenge for Generation Alpha kids is the potential for addiction to technology. This is an increasingly worrying factor – with constant access to screens and the internet, it can be difficult for kids to disconnect and participate in other activities.
Not only do kids partake in gaming and even complete school homework online (this dependency of teachers and institutions is another problem on the rise, which we will discuss in a later article), but they often refer to Google instead of getting answers from a parent, guardian, older sibling or friend. This can lead to restricted development of social skills, lateral thinking skills, on top of a decline in physical activity and increasing dependence on technology for entertainment and communication.
As a result of all this, it’s crucial for parents to set boundaries and maintain a balance between screen time and other activities. Sometimes we have to be cruel to be kind, but in order to establish good habits and prevent negative outcomes, a firm hand is sometimes necessary, and restrictions must be put in place to avoid addiction. This approach is justified as it treats addiction to tech as it if it were a narcotic – something that brings short term pleasure and gains, but could invariably leads to pain and suffering, and is detrimental to health in the long term. For more on this, take a look at our recommended 5 screen-free activities for Gen Alpha kids here.
Considering the way dopamine levels are affected by interactions with certain types of mobile games, it is easy to compare the brain’s response to some kinds of device engagement with illegal drug consumption. We will be discussing the way the dopamine and serotonin levels are affected by mobile games in particular, in another article. Until then, stay safe, and move away from the screen please!
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