By Philip C. Johnson – August 12, 2025
Dear reader, at last we arrive at Generation Alpha. Born between 2013 and 2024, this fragile group weaves a vibrant thread as the youngest cohort shaping America’s future. As of 2025, they’re turning 1 to 13 years old, numbering approximately 40–50 million, or 12–15% of the U.S. population. Their shorter generational span, compared to the traditional 15–20 years, reflects rapid technological and cultural shifts that distinguish them from Gen Z. Still in their formative years, their habits and viewpoints are developing, shaped by a dynamic digital culture and their Millennial and Gen Z parents. Let’s explore how these young trailblazers contribute to God’s unfolding plan.
Defining Characteristics: Tech-Native and Curious
Generation Alpha is the epitome of digital natives, born into a world of smartphones, AI, and global connectivity. By age 6, 43% have used a tablet, and by age 10, 58% have a smartphone (Pew Research, 2020). Their curiosity drives them to ask “why,” blending creativity with adaptability in a fast-paced world. The accelerated pace of tech advancements and cultural shifts justifies their shorter generational window, creating a distinct identity. Parents are pivotal in guiding their values, with 90% emphasizing respect for others (Pew Research, 2020). Yet, many of these values reflect progressive cultural trends, including acceptance of same-sex relationships and transgender identities, which many Christian parents view as conflicting with biblical teachings. Godly parents are called to speak truth into this generation’s lives, countering the powerful propaganda embedded in the digital tools they’re born into.
Shaping Events: Crisis and Innovation
Alphas have grown up amid COVID-19’s disruptions and AI’s rapid rise. Virtual schooling and Zoom were early norms, with 72% of students globally using digital devices in classrooms (UNESCO, 2021). A resurgence of conservative values, including a renewed focus on family and faith, has influenced some families, with 71% of Alphas prioritizing family as the most important aspect of life (Barna, 2023). Tech breakthroughs like self-driving cars and metaverse concepts spark excitement, aligning with their tech-savvy nature. These events, set against God’s unchanging nature, shape a generation that adapts quickly while seeking stability—wise parents will nudge them towards God’s unchanging Word.
Pop Culture: Roblox, Bluey, and Streaming
Generation Alpha’s pop culture is screen-driven, to say the least. They dominate Roblox (726.4 million monthly visits) and Minecraft (51.2 million monthly visits) (SimilarWeb, 2025), favoring creative, interactive gaming. Shows like Bluey and Cocomelon resonate universally, blending humor and heart. The older members of this age group gravitate toward Netflix’s popular Kpop Demon Hunters animation, with its faux girl-group HUNTR/X and boy-band Saja Boys. Food trends—chicken nuggets and pizza (of course, they’re kids!)—are staples, but a growth in vegan snacks mirrors health-conscious parental choices. Streaming on YouTube and Disney+ dominates, with 50% streaming daily (Statista, 2024). Parents shape consumption, with 82% monitoring screen time weekly (Pew Research, 2020), striving to balance the overwhelming “always-on-always-connected-world” with the stuff of real life.
Views on Marriage and Sexuality: Still Developing
Aged 0–13 in 2025, Alphas are too young to have solidified views on marriage or sexuality. Raised by diverse Millennial and Gen Z parents, they’re exposed to evolving norms, with 78% of parents prioritizing cultural diversity exposure (Pew Research, 2020). Inclusive media and some parental guidance promote acceptance of same-sex marriage and transgender identities, which conflicts with biblical teachings for Christian families. These families strive to instill values rooted in Scripture, navigating a culture that often encourages young people to embrace identities at odds with traditional Christian beliefs. Their understanding of family and identity remains fluid, shaped by both media and parental guidance.
Views on Truth and Beliefs: Accessible and Interactive
Alphas’ understanding of truth and beliefs is emerging, shaped by parents and digital tools. Many engage with interactive apps and animated stories, with 82% of parents using tech for learning (Pew Research, 2020). Digital culture is ubiquitous, as 64% of 8–12-year-olds use YouTube or TikTok daily (Common Sense Media, 2024). Parents, with 75% actively monitoring online activity (Pew Research, 2020), have a responsibility to guide their children toward God’s unchanging truth, countering the cultural influences that surround these impressionable young lives.
Attitudes Toward Other Generations: Curious Observers
Alphas (for those old enough to pay attention) view Gen Z with admiration for their boldness but find their social media obsession amusing. Millennials, often their parents, are trusted guides. Boomers and Gen X are respected as wise elders, and being too young to be jaded, Alphas—many with Boomer grandparents—may hold a more positive view of them. Their youth fosters curiosity about others, shaped by family and media. My hope is that this tender group learns to honor all generations, seeing each as part of a divine plan.
Generational Blind Spot: Tech Dependence
Alphas’ reliance on technology, with 4 hours and 44 minutes of daily screen time for ages 8–12 (Common Sense Media, 2024), risks shallow connections. This concerns 73% of parents, who worry about social media’s impact (Pew Research, 2020). The compressed generational cycle amplifies this, as tech evolves rapidly, embedding screens deeper into their lives. Parents encourage balance, with 74% promoting outdoor activities (Pew Research, 2020), reflecting a desire to keep this digital generation somewhat connected to reality.
Challenges: Navigating a Diverse, Digital World
Alphas face challenges from social media pressures, polarization, and a tech-saturated environment. Nearly half of 13-year-olds report smartphone addiction, and 50% feel anxious at times (Common Sense Media, 2024). Their diversity—47% non-white in the U.S., driven by legal and illegal immigration (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023)—elicits mixed reactions. Some embrace this shift as part of God’s diverse creation, while others worry about assimilation, desiring to preserve a Christian-based national identity rooted in America’s origins. Guiding Alphas to recognize that all people are created in the image of God without acquiescing to the idea that all faiths are equal, requires fostering critical, biblical thinking.
Legacy: Seeds of a Diverse, Tech-Savvy Future
Still sprouting in God’s tapestry, Generation Alpha’s legacy is unfolding. By 2029, their economic impact could reach $5.46 trillion, driven by their influence on family spending (McCrindle, 2023). Their diversity and tech fluency position them to innovate, from AI-driven solutions to socially conscious initiatives. Parents currently hold stronger influence (81% trust parents most for financial decisions) (Statista, 2024), though digital media’s role grows as they age. Nurturing their potential will shape how they contribute to a rapidly changing world. In ten years, this world may be unrecognizable to past generations, yet it will be shaped by today’s young. Let us pray that, amidst inevitable change, this generation remains anchored to the unchanging truth: Jesus is the only way to reconciliation with a loving, holy God.
I hope you have enjoyed this series on God’s tapestry of time as we have looked at each generation that exists in the U.S. today. If you missed any of the previous articles, you can find them HERE:
The Global Nexter 