Three data-backed predictions about Generation Alpha

If your kid was born between 2010 (or 2012, there’s some dispute) and today, they’re part of Generation Alpha — and they’re expected to be the largest generation in history.

They’re already contributing to the economy. According to a first-of-its kind study, Harvard researchers reported that $2.1 billion of social media advertising revenue is attributed to users under the age of 12.

And by 2030, they’ll make up 11% of the workforce.

I dove into some research, and came up with three data-backed predictions about the future of Gen Alpha.

Prediction #1 — They’ll be globalized 🌎

Gen Alpha was in elementary school during the pandemic.

They're the first generation who went to school in their living rooms.

So what does that have to do with globalization?

Hear me out—

• Millennials invented social media

• Gen Z grew up with social media

• Gen Alpha went to school on social media

And yes, Zoom is social media.

For Gen Alpha, social media isn’t for leisure, or even for business — it’s simply their way of life.

And social media is a leading influence on globalization:

Prediction #2 — Skills (both hard and soft) will become dramatically more important than knowledge

First, let’s define “skill” versus “knowledge”.

👉 Knowledge refers to the understanding of facts, information, or principles relating to a topic.

👉 Skill refers to the ability to perform tasks and solve problems. A skill can be practical (like driving a car), intellectual (like critical thinking), or interpersonal (like communication or teamwork).

Gen Alpha is the first generation to have been born 100% in the 21st century, and have lived their entire lives in a culture where all of the world’s knowledge can be accessed with the click of a button.

This democratization of knowledge means that it’s no longer impressive to simply know things.

Gen Alpha will need to hone their applied skills if they want to stand out in the crowd.

Prediction #3 — They will be the most successful entrepreneurial generation yet

This is sort of a “duh” statement — I know.

Every generation thus far has been more entrepreneurial than the previous generation. But Gen Alpha will be truly special in this regard.

Like I mentioned above, Gen Alpha has more access to knowledge much earlier in life than any previous generation.

And, with programs like Apollo and BETA Camp, plus the rise of entrepreneurship microschools like Alpha, their chance of success as entrepreneurs is dramatically higher than previous generations.

Why?

Because they’re starting earlier, and entrepreneurs have a higher success rate if they’ve run a business before.

Your likelihood for greatness increases with every business you start. And when you start trying when you’re 12, chances are, you’ll land on something great by adulthood. 🤷