Gen Alpha was born into the digital age, will that affect their mental health?

[Brem]

I'm a millennial and I was in that generation of people who didn't have internet or smart phones to enjoy while growing up. The closest thing I known to a cell phone, was a car phone. The first time I got online was back in the early 2000s. With AOL (America Online). But before I ever used the internet, my time was usually devoted to playing video games, watching tv, going outside to play and so on.

But now, kids are growing up in new digital age, where everyone is online 24/7. Kids have their own accounts, some even making content online. As a kid the only thing I had was a VHS camcorder. But kids have smartphones now and have everything at their fingertips. But, I think growing up in the digital age like this, is going to have an effect on people, in that some may not know how to live without the internet. Not only that, but the internet is full of bullies and disturbing content.

And now kids have generative AI, which will in turn make their lives easier, but people will also abuse it for nefarious things. I think we're going to see some issues where people are terminally online, or they can't get away from the internet.

What do you think? Will the digital age be a problem for future generations to come? Are you worried that future generations will be less intelligent as they rely so much on generative AI and the internet?

 

[Hazel]

Gen Alpha is growing up surrounded by screens, social media, and constant online interaction, which definitely has an impact on mental health. On one hand, they’ll have access to endless information, learning tools, and ways to connect. On the other, overexposure to social media, unrealistic comparisons, and reduced face-to-face interaction can create anxiety, attention issues, and even loneliness.

 

[Deep]

Yes, I think the digital age poses real challenges. While technology brings convenience and creativity, it also risks overdependence, shorter attention spans, and reduced critical thinking. Future generations might struggle with real-world interaction, emotional resilience, and independent problem-solving if balance, media literacy, and digital boundaries aren’t taught early and reinforced consistently.

 

[uptrendfinancialsignal]

It is interesting and frightening to have a Gen Alpha who grows up in the digital age where we all follow algorithms. I can see my little cousins scrolling the phone way better than I do even when she cannot even write properly, and I am worried about it. They are so good at locating things on the internet very quickly. Technology provides them with all that they need and they are never challenged. I believe that the biggest challenge is instilling balance in them. There should be time to use a phone and time to study. That is how they can disconnect a bit to develop themselves academically.

 

[Teri W]

The Gen Alpha is growing in a time that digital connections are "Always On". If we don't deliberately make them find periods to disconnect, they would soon lose touch with reality. I fear that the Gen Alpha would really struggle to think by themselves if parents don't teach those kids to limit reliance on AI. I would teach my kids real life skills and help them to build emotional resilience.

 

[Shree]

I believe growing up fully immersed in the digital world will likely affect Gen Alpha’s mental health, both positively and negatively. On the bright side, they have instant access to information, creativity, and global connections, which can build confidence and adaptability. But constant exposure to screens, online validation, and digital noise can also lead to anxiety, attention problems, and unrealistic self-image. The biggest challenge will be balance, learning how to use technology as a tool rather than a mirror. Their mental health will depend less on the devices themselves and more on how families, schools, and communities teach them to engage with technology.