Introducing Gen Alpha: America's newest kids

Gen Alpha is the first generation to have all of its members born into a society where smartphones and other connected devices are commonplace. The children who make up Gen Alpha are often growing up, exploring and competing in a virtual world rather than in real life. An over-dependence on smart phones and devices could make children less self-reliant, according to licensed professional counselor Shelly Melia, a professor at Dallas Baptist University.

Numbering 2 billion and counting, Gen Alpha (born 2010-2024) is expected to be the biggest generation in history. And even though its oldest members are only 14 years old, Gen Alpha is already an economic force to be reckoned with.