GENERATION Alpha, roughly speaking, encompasses individuals born from 2010 onwards. Since the iPad also made its mark in 2010, the generation is also called the iPad generation. Being digital natives, meaning people born in the technological era, the generation has been exposed to electronic devices and gadgets from an early age. Lack of real-world experiences and extreme immersion in the virtual world causes their brain to develop differently.

A number of researches have been conducted globally to identify problems arising in this generation because of extensive technology exposure, and how can these be prevented or solved. These researches found various psycho- logical issues such as depression, anxiety, short attention span, tantrums and developmental delays in members of Gen Alpha.

In 2020, a 12-year-old child in Egypt passed away while playing a game for hours. Similarly, in 2024, a five-year-old girl in India passed away while watching cartoons. In both cases, the cause of death was heart attack.

Extensive use of devices causes lack of sleep due to the blue light it emits. This tricks the brain into thinking it is daytime, and the body stops releasing melatonin, the sleep hormone. During a study, Gen Alpha subjects showed aggression and stopped eating when the devices were taken away from them.

It is common to come across parents or family members who hand over devices, like mobile phones and tablets, to children or even babies to keep them ‘entertained’.

This is seriously detrimental to their development as it hinders their cognition, memory, critical thinking and, above all, decision-making abilities.

There should be a balance regarding study, sleep and entertainment in one’s life. Limiting screen time, keeping a check on the content our children are watching, and encouraging them to take up physical activities outdoors are critical steps for enhancing their cognitive and critical thinking skills.

Haiqa Wazeema
Lahore

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2024