Gen Alpha are the first generation born entirely into the digital era. Born in the same year as the iPad, they could swipe before they could read and write. But how do they navigate the digital world? Using year-round insights from our Tech Review (which you can access below), here’s an introduction to Gen Alpha’s digital ecosystem.
It starts with the tablet
Gen Alpha begin their relationship with tech very early in life. Our research shows that 40% of toddlers will have a tablet by age 2, with regular screen use.
Early access to the online world means that they have fewer opportunities for “idle time”, to get bored, but, as they grow older, tech becomes a powerful enabler of independence and autonomy.
Tech is powerful for their independence
Gen Alpha have the freedom to roam in online spaces and can be seen and heard in ways that don’t happen in the offline world.
They’re developing key digital life skills in real time, always experimenting with new, unintended uses of tech, from digital street smarts to financial literacy and from digital resilience to emotional regulation.
Their online experiences are shaped by high levels of autonomy, from curating online baskets to tailoring wish lists and creating customised avatars in gaming platforms. However, they are still young and don’t always have the emotional coping strategies to match their digital skills.
The most brand-literate generation
Digital life offers Gen A constant stimulation, they are seldom truly bored and constant exposure shapes their tastes and elevates their brand expectations, making Gen Alpha the most brand-literate generation of our time.
Each month at Beano Brain, we receive hundreds of brand mentions across multiple categories, reflecting how tapped-in kids are to the brand landscape. Our off-the-shelf products, Review, Scan and Pulse are tracking these shifts in real time.
To learn more about Gen Alpha's digital ecosystem contact our team, we'd love to hear from you!
To access the Tech Review Sampler, enter your details below and get the latest in the world of Gen Alpha.