Gen Alpha: Born early 2010s-2025 (0-about 10 years old)
Generation Alpha, also called Gen Alpha, term used to describe the generation of people born (or who will be born) between 2010 and 2025. Some researchers, however, consider slightly different ranges. The term was introduced by Australian social researcher Mark McCrindle in a 2008 report on the subject.
That is why the generations today each span 15 years with Generation Y (Millennials) born from 1980 to 1994; Generation Z from 1995 to 2009 and Generation Alpha from 2010 to 2024.
Date and age range definitions
In recent years, however, a greater consensus is emerging on a starting year of 2010 or 2011. In the 2023 book Generation Alpha by Mark McCrindle, who is generally credited with coining the term, Generation Alpha is defined as "covering those born between 2010 and 2024".
Though it may be tempting to lump them in with Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012), a successful Gen Alpha (born after 2013) strategy will require marketers to understand their differences. Here are three ways the two generations differ, and how marketers can use those differences to target Gen Alpha consumers.
What years are Gen Z? Gen Z spans from 1997 to 2012, meaning anyone born within those years belongs to this generation. According to Pew Research, the cutoff represents major political, economic and social events that set Gen Z apart from Millennials.
G eneration Z's oldest members are turning 26 in 2023, with millions in the social demographic set to come of age this year. The term is often used in the media to describe the youngest generation, but there is actually a younger cohort.
Generation Z: those born 1996 until either 2010 or 2012 (aged 10 or 12-26 in 2022)
Who is Generation Alpha? Generation Alpha is the generation following Generation Z and currently includes all children born in or after 2010—the same year the iPad was born. The majority of this demographic is under 13 years of age, but the oldest of them will become teens in 2023.
As you may think, defining the two generations is based entirely on dates—in this case, years. A Millennial is anyone born between 1980 and 1995. In the U.S., there are roughly 80 million Millennials. A member of Gen Z is anyone born between 1996 and the early-mid 2000s (end date can vary depending on source).
Generation Alpha includes those born from 2010 onwards and who have therefore grown up in a fully digital world. In fact, their appearance coincides with the launch of the first iPad by Apple.
Generation Z is the demographic cohort that begins after the end of millennials. It refers to the generation born between 1997 to 2012. This generation is also called zoomers. This puts the age group for Gen Z in the range of 6-24 years old in 2021.
Most sources list the age range for the Gen Y demographic cohort between 1981 and 1997, though it can vary. The Pew Research Trust lists the birth date range as being from 1981 to 1996. William Strauss and Neil Howe, authors who coined the term “Millennials,” list the birth date range as being between 1982 and 2004.
GENERATION Y OR THE MILLENNIALS: DIGITAL NATIVES
Also known as digital natives, millennials are those born between 1982 and 1994 and technology is part of their everyday lives: all their activities are mediated by a screen. The concept of on and off is completely integrated into their lives.
The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines Generation Z as "the generation of people born in the late 1990s and early 2000s." The Collins Dictionary define Generation Z as "members of the generation of people born between the mid-1990s and mid-2010s who are seen as confident users of new technology".
The average life expectancy of baby boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z are different. Compared to the 70-year life expectancy of baby boomers and the 85-year life expectancy of Gen X, Gen Z is predicted to have a life expectancy of over 100 years.
When working with genealogy, it is important to remember the number of generations which are likely to occur in a given span of years. We generally figure three or four generations to every 100 years — in rare instances only two, in others five. The average span from one generation to the next is about 25 to 30 years.
For members of Generation Z between the ages of 18-24, 53 percent said that they would consider having children if the cost of living were lower. Similarly, of Millennials aged 25-34, 55 percent said a lower cost of living would make them think seriously about having children.
Generation Z includes anyone born between 1997 and 2012.
What birth years define Generation Alpha? The term Generation Alpha refers to the group of individuals born between 2013 and 2025.
Gen Z: Gen Z is the newest generation, born between 1997 and 2012. They are currently between 9 and 24 years old (nearly 68 million in the U.S.)
Gen Z: Born 1997-2012 (11-26 years old) Gen Alpha: Born early 2010s-2025 (0-about 10 years old)
In 2023, the Gen Z trend is towards more personalized and socially conscious brands. Their spending habits reflect a preference for brands that align with their values and utilize their preferred Generation Z social media platforms.