When Should We Stop Talking About 'Gen Z' and Start Talking About 'Gen Alpha'?
The shift from Gen Z to Gen Alpha presents a challenge for those of us in youth work. The COVID-19 pandemic altered generational identity, accelerating shifts and blending these two cohorts in ways that complicate distinctions. Youth workers must recognise the increased fluidity of generational identity and adapt approaches based on formative experiences rather than rigid age brackets.
The Impact of COVID-19
Generations have traditionally been defined by shared cultural, technological, and historical experiences. While Gen Z (born roughly between 1997-2010) and Gen Alpha (born from 2011 onwards) might seem distinct on paper, the pandemic reshaped these formative years significantly.
COVID-19 disrupted in-person spaces that typically solidify generational identity, such as schools, youth groups, and communal gatherings. As a result, many of the defining traits that might have been unique were delayed or altered, leading to an unusual overlap between developing generational groups.
Additionally, the pandemic accelerated the integration of digital spaces into everyday life. Gen Z was already highly engaged online, but Gen Alpha’s early socialisation has been almost entirely shaped by digital interactions, homeschooling, and virtual friendships. However, since older Gen Z members were also forced into these spaces at a critical time, the boundary between these generations has become increasingly blurred.
This shift also introduced a growing sense of online fatigue, particularly among Gen Z, who had to rely on digital platforms for education. Many Gen Z individuals report experiencing burnout from constant digital engagement, a challenge that younger Gen Alpha members may not yet fully recognise but will likely encounter as they continue to grow up in an ever-expanding digital landscape.
Acceleration of Generational Change and the Venn Effect
Rather than viewing Gen Z and Gen Alpha as distinct, it may be more accurate to see them as overlapping cohorts, where influences, behaviours, and cultural shifts blend in a Venn diagram-like manner. The pandemic did not just isolate these young people; it accelerated change in a way that disrupted typical generational cycles.
For instance, while Gen Z experienced the rise of social media in their teenage years, Gen Alpha was thrust into these spaces much earlier, skipping transitional phases that would have previously marked generational divides. This has led to shared digital literacy, common anxieties (such as pandemic-related fears and climate concerns), and similar social patterns.
Many of the issues youth workers associate with Gen Z—mental health struggles, digital dependency, activism, and shifting identity frameworks—are just as present in the older members of Gen Alpha.
Implications for Youth Work
Given this reality, the question is not merely about when to stop using the label 'Gen Z' and start using 'Gen Alpha'—it is about recognising the continuity between them and adjusting youth work strategies accordingly. Some key considerations include:
Understanding Hybrid Socialisation: Unlike previous generations, today's young people exist in both physical and digital communal spaces. Youth work must be flexible, engaging young people where they naturally interact rather than expecting clear generational shifts in behaviour.
Recognising Shared Experiences: Rather than treating Gen Z and Gen Alpha as fundamentally different, youth workers should focus on the overlapping concerns that shape their worldview, including anxiety, digital identity, and a redefinition of social belonging.
Moving Beyond Age-Based Strategies: Instead of assuming a 13-year-old Gen Alpha needs a radically different approach from an 18-year-old Gen Z, youth workers should consider what formative events have shaped their perspectives and tailor their engagement accordingly.
Addressing Online Fatigue and Mental Health: Youth workers should recognise the growing digital burnout among Gen Z and prepare for similar challenges in Gen Alpha. Encouraging offline interactions, fostering real-world community, and promoting healthy digital habits are essential.
Navigating Shifting Authority Structures: Both Gen Z and Gen Alpha have grown up in an era where traditional sources of authority (teachers, religious leaders, institutions) are often questioned. Youth workers must establish trust through authenticity, adaptability, and a willingness to engage in dialogue rather than relying on assumed authority.
Engaging with Emerging Cultural Norms: As social attitudes evolve rapidly, youth work must remain responsive to changing discussions around identity, inclusivity, and global awareness. The digital-native Gen Alpha will likely push these conversations further, requiring youth workers to stay informed and adaptable.
· Recognising the Limits of Generational Theory: While generational categories provide helpful broad strokes for understanding social trends, they should not replace a focus on individual relationships. Youth workers must remember that every young person is shaped by their unique experiences, family dynamics, and personal histories. Effective engagement comes from personal connection and listening, rather than assuming generational traits apply universally.
Conclusion: A Fluid Approach to Generational Identity
While traditional generational models remain useful for broad cultural analysis, they are less effective in the wake of a global event that reshaped identity formation. Instead of asking when we should stop talking about Gen Z and start talking about Gen Alpha, youth work should embrace a more fluid model that acknowledges overlapping identities, hybrid socialisation, and the acceleration of cultural change. The real question is not about labels but about how we engage with young people in ways that reflect their lived experiences, wherever they may fall on the generational spectrum.