Every generation has its critiques of the one that comes after it. The internet is filled with observations from educators, parents, and everyday people who worry about certain patterns in Gen A, the cohort born after 2010. Here’s a breakdown of the most common concerns being raised.
Cellphone Addiction: A Growing Concern
Many educators observe an alarming dependence on smartphones among young people. A teacher shared their sadness over seeing teenagers with heads perpetually bowed to their screens—whether in class, at bus stops, or even crossing the street. This constant immersion in digital devices raises concerns about social interaction, situational awareness, and their ability to engage in the present moment.
“I’m a teacher, and I worry about cellphone addiction. Teenagers in class: head down, looking at their phones. Teenagers at the bus stop: head down. Walking across the street, riding a bike, walking: head down. It makes me sad.” – misterdudebro
Digital Natives Without Basic Tech Skills
Despite growing up in the digital age, many members of Gen Alpha struggle with fundamental computer skills. While they can navigate social media and entertainment platforms with ease, tasks like attaching a file to an email or understanding file paths remain elusive. This paradox reflects a gap in practical technological education that could hinder their future professional capabilities.
“They CANNOT use a computer. They can surf the web but cannot do anything useful. Many of my students are worse than my parents at doing simple things like attaching documents to emails or understanding the file path.” – Waltgrace83
The Decline of Attention Spans
Shortened attention spans are a recurring theme. Influenced by the rapid consumption of short-form content and memes, many young people reportedly find it difficult to focus for extended periods or even complete a book. Educators and parents alike worry about the long-term consequences of this shift on academic performance and critical thinking.
The Instant Gratification Trap
Patience seems to be a diminishing virtue among today’s youth. A high school nurse described students’ frustration with anything that doesn’t provide immediate results, from waiting for an injury to heal to tackling problems that require effort. This tendency for instant gratification could undermine their ability to handle life’s inevitable challenges.
“I’m a high school nurse, and I see they have no patience. They expect things to happen instantly. They don’t understand that there is no instant cure for things. For example, they think I’m crazy because I want them to sit for ten minutes on ice from an injury.” – Tayesmommy3
Lack of Perseverance and Problem-Solving Skills
Teachers working with Gen Alpha notice a struggle to cope with challenges independently. Small setbacks can lead to disproportionate emotional reactions, reflecting a reliance on others to solve problems. Many attribute this to overparenting—parents stepping in too often to shield their kids from adversity, depriving them of valuable problem-solving experiences.
The Search for Validation Through Social Media
The constant need for validation through likes, comments, and shares is another troubling trend. Social media platforms have created an environment where young people prioritize documenting experiences over living them. This addiction to attention not only affects mental health but also diminishes genuine connections with people and places.
A Lack of Critical Thinking and Financial Literacy
Concerns about critical thinking skills and financial awareness are prevalent. Many feel that young people lack the ability to analyze information deeply, a skill essential in an era dominated by misinformation. Additionally, their understanding of money management and job skills seems inadequate, leaving them ill-prepared for adulthood.
Read More: 19 Reasons Younger Generations Are Losing Touch With ‘The Real World’
The Erosion of Writing and Reading Skills
Basic literacy skills, such as writing with proper punctuation and comprehending text, appear to be on the decline. Teachers report encountering students unable to identify main characters or themes in simple stories. This educational gap could have significant implications for future academic and professional success.
“The sheer ignorance. So many don’t read books. They have a limited vocabulary. I don’t speak to many who seem to think critically. They are raised to take standard tests and consume content rather than analyze and contemplate. It’s terrifying.” – InsertCleverName652
Over-Sharing on Social Media
The openness with which Gen Alpha shares personal struggles online raises privacy and mental health concerns. While some see it as an outlet for self-expression, others argue that airing every issue on social platforms may exacerbate problems rather than solve them.
Anxiety Epidemic
Mental health challenges, especially anxiety, are increasingly common among younger generations. School staff often encounter students experiencing physical symptoms of anxiety, such as difficulty breathing or trembling. While it’s positive that mental health is now openly discussed, the prevalence of these issues signals a deeper societal problem.
Buzzwords and Misplaced Trauma
Gen Alpha’s tendency to misuse therapeutic language has drawn criticism. Terms like “trauma” and “microaggressions” are sometimes applied to minor inconveniences, which can dilute their meaning and undermine genuine struggles. This over-sensitivity, some argue, could make resilience-building more difficult.
“Their arrogance and constant misuse of buzzwords they heard from YouTube therapy sessions. For example, they were ‘traumatized’ after that last math class. It’s troubling.” – Bwuppy
The Decline of Face-to-Face Interaction
Young people today often maintain relationships through screens rather than in-person interactions. While technology enables long-distance connections, critics worry that the decline in physical hangouts limits the development of social skills and shared real-world experiences.
Traditionalism’s Potential Resurgence
Interestingly, some foresee a counter-trend among Gen Alpha: a return to traditionalist values as they seek simplicity in a chaotic world. However, this shift could risk reviving outdated and harmful ideologies if not approached with nuance.
Every generation faces its unique challenges, and while Gen Alpha’s upbringing in a hyperconnected world offers unprecedented opportunities, it also comes with its share of pitfalls. Addressing these concerns will require a balanced approach involving education, parenting, and societal awareness.
Read More: Generations Divided: What Emojis Mean to Different Age Groups
