Generation Alpha: The New Digital Natives and How They’re Redefining Everything
By: Abijohn.com
In Nigeria, Generation Alpha, born roughly between 2010 and 2025, constitutes the largest generational cohort, representing 35.6% of the population. This digital-native generation is expected to become a significant consumer group in the future. They are the children of Millennials and the older Gen Z, and their upbringing and behaviors may differ significantly from previous generations
In a world already reshaped by Gen Z’s digital-first mindset, a new generation is quietly emerging with a completely different operating system. Meet Generation Alpha — the cohort born from 2010 to around 2025, the first generation to be fully raised in a world of touchscreens, TikTok, AI, and streaming everything.
While Gen Z (born ~1997–2012) earned the title of “the first true digital natives,” Gen Alpha is taking it to a level never seen before. Raised by millennials, influenced by Gen Z, and often misunderstood by Gen X and Baby Boomers, these kids are not just tech-savvy — they’re tech-native. And their view of the world — politically, socially, and culturally — is going to shake the foundations laid by generations before them.
🧠 Gen Alpha Thinking: Hyper-Connected, Hyper-Curated, Hyper-Critical
Unlike Gen Z, who remember a time before TikTok and iPads, Gen Alpha has never known a world without them. They don’t log on — they’ve always been online. They’re growing up with YouTube Kids, Alexa, Siri, and AI-powered apps that answer their questions before they even finish asking.
What makes their thinking unique?
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Short-form preference: Gen Alpha’s world is short, fast, and video-based. If Gen Z popularized TikTok, Gen Alpha was born on it. Their cognitive frameworks are tuned to fast information, visual content, and algorithm-driven personalization.
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Emotional intelligence via screen: Unlike Gen Z who struggled with screen-overuse and mental health, Gen Alpha might learn empathy and communication through technology, with AI companions and virtual classrooms built to interact empathetically.
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Inquisitive by default: They’re growing up asking Siri, ChatGPT, and Google, not adults. They’ve learned to seek answers instantly, questioning authority — even more than Gen Z.
🔊 Slang and Culture: Gen Alpha vs Gen Z
While Gen Z made “cap,” “no cap,” “vibe check,” and “rizz” part of the internet lexicon, Gen Alpha’s slang is still evolving, but showing early signs of divergence:
| Concept | Gen Z | Gen Alpha |
|---|---|---|
| Flex culture | “Fit check”, “Drip”, “Main character energy” | “Sigma”, “NPC”, “Ohio memes” |
| Reaction | “Sheesh”, “Based”, “Ratioed” | “Skibidi”, “Gyatt”, “Bro is an NPC” |
| Platform slangs | “TikTok viral”, “FYP”, “IG baddie” | “Roblox drip”, “Minecraft edits”, “YouTube Shorts trend” |
Key difference?
Gen Z used slang to build identity and community, Gen Alpha uses it to meme reality. Their slang is absurdist, often deliberately nonsensical — a response to overstimulation and content overload.
📱 Platform Tastes: The App Wars
| Platform | Gen Z | Gen Alpha |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube | Longform creators (MrBeast, Emma Chamberlain) | YouTube Kids, gaming channels, toy unboxings |
| TikTok | Dance trends, POVs, hot takes | Edits, animations, absurd memes, Skibidi Toilet lore |
| Aesthetic curation, stories | Low use; seen as for “older kids” or Gen Z | |
| Snapchat | Gen Z staple | Barely relevant |
| Roblox / Minecraft | Known, but waning | Core ecosystems of digital identity |
| AI & Voice Assistants | Tool for productivity | Everyday friends: Siri, Alexa, ChatGPT |
Gen Alpha doesn’t use platforms just for fun — they live on them. Roblox is not just a game, it’s a metaverse where they socialize, express identity, and create. TikTok isn’t just content — it’s language.
🇺🇸 Political Awareness: Trump, MAGA, and Gen Alpha’s Lens
Although Gen Alpha is young, they are not politically ignorant. They are:
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Observing Gen Z activism (climate change, BLM, Roe v. Wade) and interpreting it through memes and commentary.
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Growing up post-Trump presidency, often viewing MAGA and populism as “Boomer energy” or “cringe politics.”
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Frequently exposed to YouTube influencers or TikTok creators who comment on politics in humorous, sarcastic tones — shaping a deeply cynical but aware political identity.
While Gen Z takes political action seriously, Gen Alpha tends to meme it, ridicule extremes, and distrust institutions — including politicians, police, and even schools.
Gen Alpha’s take on Trump?
He’s less a politician and more of a living meme or character in their digital landscape. Some admire him, some mock him, many just remix him in viral edits.
🧓🏼 How They View Other Generations
| Generation | Gen Alpha View |
|---|---|
| Gen Z | “Cool, but too emotional”; they imitate but also mock them. They love Gen Z fashion and slang, but see them as too serious sometimes. |
| Millennials (their parents) | Tech-aware but “not funny.” They love their parents but think they’re kind of cringe. |
| Gen X | Mostly invisible. They don’t understand Gen Alpha’s world and vice versa. |
| Boomers | Memed to extinction. They are often portrayed as out of touch, authoritarian, and technologically backward. |
Gen Alpha has less patience for generational divides. To them, anyone not fluent in memes, gaming, and AI is a foreigner in their digital country.
In Nigeria, Generation Alpha, born roughly between 2010 and 2025, constitutes the largest generational cohort, representing 35.6% of the population. This digital-native generation is expected to become a significant consumer group in the future. They are the children of Millennials and the older Gen Z, and their upbringing and behaviors may differ significantly from previous generations.
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Demographics:
Gen Alpha is the largest demographic group in Nigeria, making up 35.6% of the total population.
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Digital Natives:
They are growing up in a highly connected world, comfortable with technology and various platforms.
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Future Consumers:
Gen Alpha is poised to be an important consumer group in the coming years, influencing buying decisions within families and potentially shaping future societal and state plans.
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Influenced by Tech and Parents:
They are influenced by online content and platforms, as well as the buying behaviors of their parents.
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Unique Perspectives:
Gen Alpha’s upbringing and exposure to technology give them a unique perspective on life and technology, potentially leading to a generation of trailblazers.
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Impact of COVID-19:
The COVID-19 pandemic had significant impacts on children globally, including increased poverty, malnutrition, and disruption to education and services.
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Examples of Advocacy:Some Gen Alphas are already demonstrating their commitment to social issues, such as environmental advocacy, as exemplified by Varnessa Kayen Varlyngton’s efforts in Port Harcourt.
