What would you want to be when you grow up?
This is a question older folk ask children once they reach the grades or are already in middle school.
Categorized as Generation Alpha, or Gen Alpha, these are those born from 2010 or right after Gen Z and projected to be the largest generation group, demographically, in world history.
It is disconcerting to realize that most of those within the Gen Alpha bracket don't really care to dream big. The upside is that they are exceptionally focused on what they want to do in life.
Digital World
The top answer to the above question, as reflected in a recent US survey among members of this generation, including Gen Zs, are going into the health field, be actors or end up as influencers.
With focus on the "digital world," their mindset is towards independence.
Not surprisingly, demographers call Gen Alphans as "permanently connected."
The new technology is their way of life. This is to the point that they prefer to manage their own digital identities "and expect their individual needs and choices be given importance. In short, Gen Alphans demand that their space be respected. Similar to Gen Zs, they feel knowledgeable, well-informed and entitled.
Just Wanna Have Fun
In a YouTube digital show, a survey of 1,000 kids from this generation, 26 percent want to be doctors or nurses; 16.5 percent, as educators; 12 percent as scientists; 10.9 percent as actors, and 3 percent as professional gamers.
The greater majority are focused on the digital world, the internet and social networks, as influencers. They would rather become a YouTuber or a TikToker to earn big bucks fast.
Is "working" within the Digital World their dream job?
The US study shows that Gen Alphans have "a very clear idea of what they want." Amazingly, they also want to be of help to others and also concerned of Planet Earth and " become a heroic figure." Just like in the video games?
But describing their aspiration on the whole, at that very young age, these sum up to just "want to have fun" and "make a lot of money" in the process.
Digital-First Generation
Come to think of it, this very unique demographic cohort is growing faster than we could imagine.
In terms of information guzzling, like Gen Zs, physical books are in the sidelines. They prefer to look at visuals and what is seen onscreen rather than leaf a page.
Gen Alphans could well be labelled as a digital-first generation.
On a positive note, even if they are glued on the computer or phones for long periods, they are socially aware — or assume they are — and vocal about it. They care for climate change, too, as the study reveals.
For instance, Gen Alphans and Gen Zs don't just focus on games and video creations. They are a very brand-conscious bunch. Young as they are, thess generation would never settle for imitation or low-end brand or none at all.
While Gen Zs are also "connected," passion is more on Gen Alphans. The latter care about traveling abroad and mental health but not very conscious of what they eat. They prefer fast food or junk snacks.
Mental Lifeline
Dreaming or aspiring for the future is particularly important to Gen Alphans.
For us, grown ups, our young ones' dreams give us something to hold on to like a mental lifeline. Dreams are a confirmation that they have prospective direction so that they do not mess up their future.
Dreams are a roadmap starting with small ideas.
When one of my grandsons was in Grade 2, he underwent professional assessment and conclusively graded an IQ of 136. He was rich in vocabulary and a bit moody, too. One good time, I asked him to "draw" what he sees of himself in the future.
What he gave me was a crude sketch of a staircase. The first step riser was marked "high school," followed by "college," "travel," "house and car," "work." I wondered why it was placed in this order.
But in the last riser was "millions" (he explained he will be a millionnaire someday). Floating above the staircase was "a cloud."
"What's with the cloud?" I asked.
That's "etcetera, etcetera." It's boundlessness.
Libre Lang Ang Mangarap
When children dream, there are no limitations or boundaries. It is up to adults to lend support so that they will productively reach their life's goal.
My brother, who is a successful engineer-businessman, always pushes his underlings to strive, have a goal in life and do all in their power to follow their dream.
Whether impractical or realizable, he would remind them: "Libre lang naman ang mangarap. Nasa sa 'yo na kung paano mo tutuparin!"
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