ELI5: What is the difference between Gen Z and Gen Alpha

Gen Z are like the older kids who are almost teenagers, while Gen Alpha are like the younger kids still learning about the world.

Think of it like this: Gen Z is like being in 5th grade and Gen Alpha is like being in 1st grade.

• Gen Z (born roughly 1997-2012) grew up with the internet becoming a big deal, but they remember a time before everyone had a smartphone. They might remember playing outside more before screens took over everything. They probably learned to use a computer mouse and keyboard in school. Imagine them getting their first phone when they were 10 or 11. They experienced dial-up internet or early broadband.
• Gen Alpha (born roughly 2013-2025) have never known a world without smartphones and tablets. To them, swiping and touching screens is as natural as breathing. They might learn how to use a tablet before they learn to write properly with a pencil. They are growing up with super-fast internet and everything is instant.

• Gen Z might remember watching cartoons on regular TV at set times.
• Gen Alpha almost exclusively watches shows on streaming services, choosing what they want, whenever they want.

• Gen Z might have nostalgic love for older trends.
• Gen Alpha is all about the newest, shiniest things, often influenced by YouTube and TikTok.