Gen Z vs. Gen Alpha: Key Traits, Tech Habits, Values & More

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Gen Z and Gen Alpha might not be as different as you think

Co-authored by Aaron Makelky and Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: April 23, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Overview
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• Key Traits
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• Tech & Media Habits
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• Values
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• Priorities & Social Behavior
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• Education & Career Aspirations
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• Slang
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• Final Thoughts

|Show more |Show less

Born between 1995 and 2012, Gen Z is the first generation of digital natives. And we’re learning more and more about Gen Alpha, born between 2012 and 2025, as the first wave reaches adolescence. We’re digging into what defines these up-and-coming generations, from how technology shapes their lives to how to decode their slang—no cap.

What’s the difference between Gen Z and Gen Alpha?

Gen Z was born between 1995 and 2012 and grew up in a digital explosion. They’re known for being resilient, independent, and socially conscious. Gen Alpha was born between 2012 and 2025 and is just reaching adolescence. They’re globally connected, brand-conscious, and favor self-directed learning.

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Section 1 of 8:

Gen Z vs. Gen Alpha: An Overview

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1. 
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   Gen Z was born between 1995 and 2012. The oldest members are just reaching adulthood. They’ve lived through COVID-19, experienced social and political unrest, and seen the increasing effects of climate change. They’re also digital natives, having had access to smartphones, social media, and Wi-Fi for most (if not all) of their lives.

   • Originally criticized for being “soft,” Gen Z is quickly developing a reputation as being resilient, independent, and quick to call out old-fashioned systems that don’t work anymore.
   • Some people date Gen Z as starting in 1996 or 1997.
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   Gen Alpha was born between 2012 and 2025. It’s hard to know just what Gen Alpha will be like because the oldest of this generation are tweens or young teens (and the youngest are literal babies). Most of the important historical events for Gen Alpha haven’t even happened yet, and it will still be a few years before they enter the workforce.

   • They might be young, but Gen Alphas are already a cultural powerhouse with their viral memes and slang terms quickly taking over pop culture. So skibidi.
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Section 2 of 8:

Gen Z vs. Gen Alpha: Key Traits

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   Gen Z are practical, diverse, and independent. They tend to be conservative with money, and they’re comfortable using tech in nearly every aspect of life. Early in life, they faced issues like the 2008 global financial crisis and 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic, which likely played a role in this generation’s reputation for being resilient and adaptable.

   • Out of all generations, Gen Z is most likely to report mental health concerns. This is likely due to a combination of destigmatized mental health conversations and increasing social, political, and financial tensions.
   • Even though Gen Z is independent, they’re also good at working collaboratively, especially in a flexible, supportive environment.
   • A focus on smaller families means that Gen Z tends to have more one-on-one attention from their parents, which may be one reason this generation tends to be slower to drive and get jobs than previous generations.
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   Gen Alpha are self-directed learners who embrace the absurd. Their humor style is a little unhinged—it echoes early millennial absurdist humor. And with a world of knowledge constantly at their fingertips, they’re especially skilled at diving deep into their special interests.

   • Another result of constant connection is that more and more Gen Alphas are prioritizing screen-free time and face-to-face interactions.
   • Gen Alpha has strong opinions about the brands and products that they prefer.
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Section 3 of 8:

Gen Z vs. Gen Alpha Tech & Media Habits

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1. 
   Gen Z and Gen Alpha are both digital natives. Gen Z was born into a world where the digital revolution had already taken hold. Social media, Wi-Fi, and mobile devices have been part of all or most of their lives. And that’s even more true for Gen Alpha—many of them had their own devices before preschool.

   • Gen Z uses platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram. And while Gen Alpha’s internet is still developing, they tend to prefer YouTube for videos and social games like Roblox for networking.
   • Gen Alpha will likely be the generation that’s most comfortable with using AI as it becomes better integrated into society.
   • Both Gen Z and Gen Alpha had to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic in their early lives. This resulted in increased screen time for both groups. Some people believe the pandemic may have caused Gen Z to be more withdrawn, and may have resulted in behavioral or learning delays in Gen Alpha.

Section 4 of 8:

Gen Z vs. Gen Alpha: Values

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   Gen Z is known for being resourceful and independent. This generation is the most racially and ethnically diverse in history, and that’s reflected in their values of inclusivity and equity.They’re also passionate about removing the stigma around mental health and efforts that support sustainability and the environment.
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   Gen Alpha is socially conscious and adaptable. Because Gen Alpha has been online their whole lives, they feel a strong sense of global connection. Gen Alpha will be even more racially and ethnically diverse than Gen Z, and they’ll likely share many of the same social values, like social justice, sustainability, and mental health support.
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Section 5 of 8:

Gen Z vs. Gen Alpha: Priorities & Social Behavior

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1. 
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   Gen Z is financially conservative and prioritizes mental health. As Gen Z reaches adulthood, they’re proving to be careful with money, prioritizing saving and investing over impulse buys. They’re also passionate about social issues like equality and diversity.

   • While environmental concerns remain a top priority for Gen Z, they’re more likely to feel that industry leaders should shoulder more of the burden of protecting the planet, rather than consumers.
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   Gen Alpha prioritizes fun and in-person communication. The most important thing to remember about Gen Alpha is that they’re still kids—the oldest are mostly still tweens. They’re silly and curious, and the issues that will be most important to them remain to be seen.

   • Gen Alpha are heavy users of technology, but they’re also more likely to unplug and spend in-person time with their family and friends.
   • Gen Alpha’s parents—mostly millennials—tend to be brand-conscious. They’re passing that down to their kids, and as a result, Gen Alpha has a reputation for preferring expensive items from top name-brands.
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Section 6 of 8:

Gen Z vs. Gen Alpha: Education & Career Aspirations

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   Gen Z is rethinking systems and holding employers accountable. As Gen Z enters the workforce, they’re questioning outdated systems that don’t fit today’s digital world. They also tend to prioritize jobs with employers who emphasize ethical company policies and sustainable practices.

   • Gen Z expects—and demands—equity and inclusion in the workplace.
   • Gen Z also prioritizes a healthy work-life balance and prefers remote or hybrid work environments.
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   Gen Alpha will likely expect flexible, self-directed work environments. Gen Alpha’s digital upbringing means they can sometimes struggle in traditional environments, including the classroom. But when they’re given the freedom to learn at their own pace, Alpha kids have proven to be curious, independent, and flexible. That will likely transition to their career expectations, as well.
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Section 7 of 8:

Gen Z vs. Gen Alpha: Slang

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1. Gen Z and Gen Alpha both get their slang from memes and internet culture. These hyper-connected kids love to share (and make!) videos recreating their favorite slang terms and viral moments. Here are a few slang terms defining each generation right now (plus translations for readers over the age of 25).

   • Gen Alpha slang has plenty of overlap with Gen Z, but we only included terms in both columns if there’s a slight difference in how the generations use them.
   • Think you already have Gen Z slang mastered? Try our “How Well Do I Know Gen Z Slang?” quiz!

Gen Z	Gen Alpha
AF: As f***	Aura points: Cool points
Ate: Did well	Beta: Weak, not cool
Aura: Power, ability, or coolness	Brainrot: Too much time online
Basic: Unoriginal, overly trendy	Bruh: “Bro/brother” but also an interjection, like “dude”
Bet: Okay, yes	Dog water: Really bad
Bussin: Really good or delicious	Fanum tax: Stealing food from friends
Cap/No cap: A lie/Truth	Fire: Really cool
Cringe: Not cool, embarrassing	Flex: Show off
Delulu: Delusional	Glaze: Overdo praise
Drip: Style	Gucci: Good or cool
Extra: Over-the-top, dramatic	Gyatt Meaning: Something surprising or impressive (sometimes still means butt)
FML: F*** my life	Hits different: Unique or very good
FW: F*** with, or to like something	Just put the fries in the bag: Hurry up or be quiet
Gyatt: Nice butt	NGL: Not gonna lie
LFG: Let’s f***ing go!	Noob: Someone inexperienced
Looksmaxxing: Improving your appearance	Ohio: Weird, cringe, or apocalyptic
Mewing: A facial exercise to sharpen the jawline	Opp: Opposition, enemy
Mid: Average	Rizz: Charisma or coolness
Mogging: Looking better than someone	Rizzler: Someone who’s good at flirting
Salty: Upset or irritated	Skibidi rizz: Weird flirting
Say Less: Understood, agreed	Skibidi Ohio rizz: Weird
Slaps: Is good	Sus: Suspicious
Slay: Do really well	Twin: Best friend
Stan: To be obsessed (stalker/fan)	What the Sigma: Like “What the heck?”
Yeet: Throw	Yeet: Throw something or be excited

Section 8 of 8:

Final Thoughts

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1. Gen Z and Gen Alpha are both still evolving. As Gen Z becomes adults, we’re learning more about their values, tech habits, and work ethic. They’re demonstrating resilience, independence, and a practical mindset that will help guide them as they become the next generation of leaders.

   • Gen Alpha are still kids, and a lot of what we know about them so far is more a reflection of their Millennial parents. But they’re showing signs of being independent and adaptable, and with their digital upbringing, they’re almost certain to disrupt the status quo when they take charge.
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