How will Generation Alpha use social media in the future?
Social media is already a part of everyday life. The time we spend on it is increasing each year. There is a lot of prediction of how Generation Alpha will use social media in the future. Because social media plays a huge role in their lives, it will also influence the way they think and behave.
Shopping on social media
The most significant role of social media in digital shopping journeys is being a purchase inspiration. This is something we are already seeing with kids. They love to watch kidfluencers unboxing toys and, as a result, they want the same toy. They search for peers in the online world. Generation Z has a lot of trust in their peers, and this is a trend that we will most likely also see with Generation alpha. 55% of Gen Alpha want to buy what their favourite YouTube, Instagram influencers wear.
Kids these days are seeing ads everywhere they look and automatically decide in a few seconds whether they are interesting or not. Advertising on social media appears to significantly impact Generation Alphas compared to ads seen anywhere else. Young people are increasingly open to persuasion through the likes of YouTube and Instagram. Still, at their core, these are tools that are about participation as much as consumption, channels for communication and community building. It makes online shopping almost a social thing.
privacy and social media
Having a smartphone will be the most normal thing there will be. Having one would almost seem like a human right. There are many speculations that Gen Alpha will gladly trade their privacy for more social media followers and a more efficient lifestyle. Alpha's take technology for granted to a point where they might define it as something else entirely, drawing no distinction between real life and virtual life. Technology to the Alpha's isn't mean to just serve their needs to collaborate with their peers, and as a channel to transform the world around them.
Social media will drive them to constant innovation
Wanting and looking for innovation is something we already see with Gen Z. This innovation spirit will only become bigger and bigger. They will seek continuous improvement, motivated by their values of helping others, but also desiring recognition for their successes. It is not enough for them to innovate; they need their peers to see that they are innovating to have a sense of fulfilment in life.
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