We are so concerned about Generation Z (those born between the mid-90s and the beginning of 2010) that we are not paying attention to one fact: the “oldest” of the next generation, Alpha – which goes from 2010 to the present moment – are already teenagers.
These children, children of Millennial parents and, in some cases, Generation Z, grew up in an environment totally immersed in connected devices, social networks and streaming platforms, where information circulates at a completely different pace than for their Millennial parents.
The near-constant presence of screens and virtual assistants has made their contact with digital worlds almost organic, shaping not only the way they learn but also the way they perceive the world and interact with brands. From this perspective, Generation Alpha anticipates behaviors that, in the coming years, will become the standard for consumption and interaction, decisively influencing Customer Experience (CX) strategies.
For this group, the notion of experience goes beyond the traditional expectation of good service or a functional product. They were exposed from an early age to personalization and convenience in virtually every aspect of their lives: from on-demand entertainment, where they can choose what they want to watch at any time, to smart devices that learn their preferences and habits within the home.
This early exposure to digital tools creates a relationship of trust and, at the same time, of demand: it's not enough for a company to offer an efficient customer service channel; it must be agile, connected, and genuinely concerned with understanding and anticipating needs. For brands, the message is clear: those who fail to create integrated, fast channels and experiences that reflect values such as inclusion and sustainability risk losing relevance in the increasingly near future.
The power of the first generation digital 100%
While many executives have already recognized the importance of digital natives in business transformation, Generation Alpha takes this concept to another level.
While Generation Z had to learn and adapt to emerging technologies as they grew up, Alpha children, in turn, arrived in the world with tablets, smartphones, and voice assistants already established. This generation didn't experience the transition; they find themselves directly in the digital world, without language or custom barriers. Everything feels natural, from interacting with keyboard-less devices to absorbing content on gamified platforms that blend education and entertainment.
For CX leaders, this means rethinking what it means to "connect" with the customer. Models based on linear processes, with predefined touchpoints, tend to become obsolete. Generation Alpha demands a fluid and omnipresent approach, expecting brands to be able to respond in any context, on any channel, without loss of continuity.
An eight-year-old, for example, won't understand why a music app isn't integrated with the family's smart speaker or why there's a mismatch in information between e-commerce and physical stores. This level of demand accompanies the child at every stage of their development. As they become young consumers seeking products and services, they'll have little patience for brands that don't offer a seamless journey or voice-based interaction options, augmented reality, and other features that, for them, will already be standard.
There's also a significant factor linked to immediacy. Generation Alpha has become accustomed to receiving everything quickly, from deliveries to software updates, and rarely waits days for a problem to be resolved. This faster consumption pattern affects the entire business ecosystem, encouraging changes in logistics structures, customer service, and exchange and return policies, for example. It's not just a matter of convenience; it's a paradigm shift in how consumer relationships are expected to unfold. This first fully digital generation wants and will demand more intuitive technologies, frictionless processes, and brands that communicate clearly.
A new perception of value
When we analyze how Generation Alpha perceives the value of a product or service, we notice a strong emphasis on emotional factors connected to a global vision of impact. Concern for sustainability, ethics, and corporate social responsibility is not a distant accessory for these children, but an important part of what they learn at school and online.
They see digital influencers talking about environmental causes, observe initiatives from major brands promoting awareness campaigns, and develop the notion that all of this is part of a larger package when choosing who to associate with. They are, in essence, small consumers who will, in the future, apply this mindset to the job market and to more complex purchasing decisions.
For CX leaders, the message is clear: customer experience shouldn't be limited to optimizing steps and interfaces. It's necessary to incorporate values that reflect care for people and the planet. Generation Alpha likely won't forgive greenwashing or superficial campaigns that lack real foundation. This transparency, combined with authenticity, will be essential to building lasting relationships. They may not express this formally as children, but the fact is that they grow up attentive to brands' movements, absorbing which companies act genuinely and which merely pretend to care.
Building experiences for a different tomorrow
In a few decades, Generation Alpha will be the dominant group of consumers and market influencers. This is the horizon that current leaders need to aim for. What we consider "future" today will quickly become the reality for these new decision-makers, whether as end users or managers within their own companies. This perspective reinforces the need for consistent preparation, which involves, above all, the adoption of new technologies and the creation of flexible service ecosystems.
At the same time, CX executives need to remember that this generation was born into a context of climate change and disruptive global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These children grow up with the notion that the world is unstable and that crises can strike at any time. This perception of vulnerability leads them to value resilient brands capable of adapting, acting socially responsibly, and creating safe and trustworthy environments. It's not just about delivering a good product, but also about conveying a sense of security and consistency with the values they promote.
Finally, it's important to recognize that, even at a young age, Alphas exert influence over their families' consumption habits and, soon, over the job market. They are surrounded by opportunities to express themselves and learn to negotiate from an early age. They are accustomed to questioning and expressing opinions about what is fair, ethical, or sustainable, and they apply this to their consumption choices. The key word for those planning the future of CX is readiness: readiness to evolve platforms, readiness to embrace new interaction formats, and readiness to align with principles that go beyond immediate profit.
Generation Alpha arrives armed with broader, deeper expectations and a critical sense that challenges the status quo. Those who heed this will have the chance to forge a long-term relationship, while those who remain stagnant risk becoming obsolete in the face of a new worldview.