Gen Alpha was born into the digital age, will that affect their mental health?

[Brem]

I'm a millennial and I was in that generation of people who didn't have internet or smart phones to enjoy while growing up. The closest thing I known to a cell phone, was a car phone. The first time I got online was back in the early 2000s. With AOL (America Online). But before I ever used the internet, my time was usually devoted to playing video games, watching tv, going outside to play and so on.

But now, kids are growing up in new digital age, where everyone is online 24/7. Kids have their own accounts, some even making content online. As a kid the only thing I had was a VHS camcorder. But kids have smartphones now and have everything at their fingertips. But, I think growing up in the digital age like this, is going to have an effect on people, in that some may not know how to live without the internet. Not only that, but the internet is full of bullies and disturbing content.

And now kids have generative AI, which will in turn make their lives easier, but people will also abuse it for nefarious things. I think we're going to see some issues where people are terminally online, or they can't get away from the internet.

What do you think? Will the digital age be a problem for future generations to come? Are you worried that future generations will be less intelligent as they rely so much on generative AI and the internet?

 

[Hazel]

Gen Alpha is growing up surrounded by screens, social media, and constant online interaction, which definitely has an impact on mental health. On one hand, they’ll have access to endless information, learning tools, and ways to connect. On the other, overexposure to social media, unrealistic comparisons, and reduced face-to-face interaction can create anxiety, attention issues, and even loneliness.