Generation Alpha includes children born between 2010 and 2024 (or 2011–2025 by some definitions), making them aged 0 to 15 years old as of early 2025. As the children of Millennials, they are the first generation born entirely in the 21st century and are considered "digital natives".
We are in the midst of a generational landmark, as Generation Z (born 1995-2009) enter the workforce and Generation Alpha (born 2010-2024) move through their schooling years. In this infographic, we provide an explanation about each of these generations, and some interesting facts about them.
While other cohorts (e.g., Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, Generation Z) are defined by age brackets, Gen C is defined by its members' digital-first lifestyle and mindset. So whether someone is 10 or 82 years old, they can still be a part of Gen C.
Generation Z, also sometimes known as iGeneration, Zoomers, post-Millennials, or Homelanders, are defined by Pew Research Center as those born between 1997 and 2012.
"Rizz" is a slang term primarily popularized by Gen Z, but it has been widely adopted and is also heavily used by Gen Alpha, representing a blend of both generations' online language, short for "charisma" and describing romantic charm or flirtatious ability. While Gen Z might have originated its popular usage, Gen Alpha fully embraced it, along with terms like "skibidi" and "no cap," showing how slang rapidly spreads and evolves across platforms like TikTok, notes ABC News.
A 13-year-old in early 2026 falls squarely into Generation Alpha, born roughly 2010-2024, though some sources place the start of Gen Z slightly later, meaning a 13-year-old could also be a very late Gen Z (born 2012/2013) or early Gen Alpha (born 2010-2012), as Gen Z ends around 2012-2013 and Gen Alpha starts after that, with both being shaped heavily by technology and social media.
Why Gen Z is especially vulnerable to burnout. Several forces converge to make Gen Z particularly susceptible to burnout. First, many Gen Z entered the workforce during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a time of profound upheaval, social isolation and changing work protocols and demands.
A 12-year-old in early 2026 is typically considered Generation Alpha (born 2010-2024/25), marking them as part of the first generation born entirely in the 21st century and fully immersed in digital technology, though those born in late 2012 might feel like a "cusp" or "Zalpha" with traits of both Gen Z and Gen Alpha due to the fluid nature of generational definitions.
Gen Z, also known as the Zoomers, are the people born from the late 1990s to the early 2010s, roughly around that time. The internet, smartphones, and constant connectivity make Gen Z the only generation ever to have such technology during their upbringing, so they are very much digitally influenced.
Most news outlets, management and consulting firms, think tanks, and analytics companies frequently use the starting birth year of 1997, often citing Pew Research's 1997–2012 range. In a 2022 report, the U.S. Census designates Generation Z as "the youngest generation with adult members (born 1997 to 2013)".
Generation Z refers to individuals born between 1997 and 2012. This demographic cohort follows the Millennials and precedes Generation Alpha. As the first true digital natives, Gen Z has grown up in a world where the internet, smartphones, and social media have always been present.
A Psychographic Shift Beyond Age Groups. Gen C isn't a demographic, it's a mindset. They are the connected consumers, a group shaped by digital behaviors rather than conventional generational divides. Whether they're 16 or 60, they share a common DNA: hyper-connected, content-driven, and community-focused.
Zoomers (Generation Z) are generally considered to be those born between 1997 and 2012, making them roughly 14 to 29 years old in 2026, as they follow Millennials (Gen Y) and precede Generation Alpha, growing up as true digital natives with the internet and smartphones as staples.
