The Generation Corona (+ Gen Z) is grappling with how to communicate and live alongside Gen Alpha

Our society is changing significantly, slowly and almost imperceptibly. The scale and speed of change are vastly different and unprecedented compared to previous generations. Generational change is a process where generations intersect, drift apart, become disconnected, and then reconnect in similar patterns, meeting again in memory. As time passes, beloved children leave home, new life is born, the world transforms, and seasons change, time continues to cycle. Grandchildren yearn for their grandparents, and grandparents feel a sense of stability and happiness as they watch their grandchildren grow, filled with tender love, and nurture the next generation. 
 

I belong to Generation Corona. The term "Corona Generation" is a newly coined term used in both Korea and Japan to describe the generation directly impacted by COVID-19. While the term is shared, its specific meaning, or who it refers to, varies between the two countries. 

Generation Corona has the following characteristics. 

• Educational Impact:
  • Disrupted Learning: School closures and online learning transitioned were poorly implemented, leading to problems with accessibility, quality of education, and teacher preparedness.
  • Digital Divide: Students from lower-income families lacked access to devices and internet connections, hindering their participation in online learning.
  • Practical Skills Neglect: Hands-on learning in subjects like physical education, arts, and technical skills were largely disrupted.
  • Disability Challenges: Students with visual or auditory impairments struggled to access online learning resources due to the lack of support services.
  • Exam Disruptions: Students preparing for university entrance exams faced significant challenges, impacting their academic performance and future prospects.
  • Learning Gaps: The disruptions in education resulted in a decline in basic academic skills.
• Economic Impact:
  • Real Estate Boom: The pandemic fueled a dramatic increase in real estate prices, making it difficult for young people to enter the housing market.
  • Small Business Struggles: Restaurants and other businesses suffered severe financial losses due to lockdowns and restrictions.
  • Tourism Industry Collapse: Travel restrictions caused a devastating blow to the tourism industry, leaving many workers unemployed.
  • Entertainment Industry Hit: Concerts, events, and performances were cancelled, leading to income loss for artists and performers.
• Emotional Impact:
  • Limited Emotional Connection: Wearing masks made it challenging to read facial expressions and communicate emotions effectively.
  • Social Isolation: Restrictions on social gatherings and in-person interactions led to loneliness, depression, and feelings of isolation.
  • Reduced International Exchange: Travel restrictions disrupted international cultural exchanges and collaborations.
  • Increased Xenophobia: The pandemic fueled prejudice and distrust towards other countries.
• Social Impact:
  • Political Polarization: The pandemic amplified political divisions and fueled online misinformation and propaganda.
  • Religious Tensions: Outbreaks in certain religious groups, particularly in churches, led to prejudice against those groups.
  • Family Conflicts: Increased time spent together at home led to more frequent family arguments and tensions.
  • Rise in Social Isolation: The pandemic exacerbated existing problems of social isolation, leading to an increase in the number of people living in isolation.
• Health Impact:
  • Lifestyle Changes and Health Issues: Online learning and lockdowns led to unhealthy habits such as increased screen time, less physical activity, and poor diet, resulting in health problems like obesity and mental health issues.
  • COVID-19-Related Complications: The pandemic led to an increase in long-term health complications, particularly in younger people.

Although I'm part of Gen Z, I don't really feel a strong sense of belonging. Generation Z said to have the following three key characteristics as consumers:

• Digital Natives: Having grown up with the internet, smartphones, and social media, they are active users of various online platforms for consumption. They particularly value online reviews and social media recommendations.
• Value-Driven Consumption: They prioritize the values and social responsibility represented by products and brands. Sustainability, ethical production, and respect for diversity are important factors in their consumption decisions.
• Preference for Personalized Experiences: Generation Z prefers products and services that are tailored to their individual tastes and interests. 

Source: Daily Chosun

According to sociologist Mark McCrindle, who coined the term "Alpha Generation," those born between 2010 and 2024 are expected to be the largest population group in history, exceeding 2 billion worldwide. As the children of mostly Millennials (born between 1980 and 1994), the Alpha generation is still emerging, and while their future influence is unknown, Axios points out that their current impact is already significant.

• The defining word for the Alpha generation is "digital." Axios describes them as the “first fully online generation.”
• The youngest Alphas were born the same year the iPad was released, leading to the nickname "iPad kids." Alpha children have grown up exposed to social media platforms like TikTok.Market research firm YPulse found that 79% of Millennial parents say their children use social media.

Merrily Bliss, Content Lead at YPulse, stated that Millennial parents typically give their children their first smartphones around the age of nine. She noted that Alphas are experiencing a "media-centric childhood" unlike any previous generation, starting at a very young age.

• They are also familiar with AI assistants like Siri and Alexa from Apple and Amazon, and with generative AI like ChatGPT from OpenAI. Businesses are targeting Alphas, the "future consumers," through social media like TikTok and YouTube, recognizing their potential spending power.

Born into a world where the climate crisis is a reality, the Alpha generation is showing concern for social issues such as climate change, racial discrimination, and poverty, according to Axios. 

 As a member of the Generation Corona (+ Gen Z), I am already aware of the generational gap between myself and Millennials and Gen X. They are strategizing ways to sell more products to my generation and figuring out how to coexist with us. Considering that I will be closely interacting with the future Alpha generation, what preparations should I make? 
 
Everyone is engrossed in pursuing their own happiness. Naturally, generational differences become apparent. We are divided by contrast and conflict, by have and have-not, by fragmentation and harmony. It’s “me” now, and “them” who are different. With the emergence of TV and the development of the internet, family culture has changed, revealing a significant gap between the younger and older generations. Mutual misunderstanding between older and younger generations can lead to the experience of “difference.” According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 79% of Americans believe there is a significant difference between young and old people in their views of the world. However, in my opinion, there is misunderstanding and misconception between the two groups. In the beginning, the world was about individual existence and harmony. Therefore, rather than viewing generational differences as fragmentation or conflict, we should partially acknowledge the “differences” and live together.