From ten-year-olds selling out products in Sephora to sticky tablets at restaurant dining tables, the influence of technology on Generation Alpha is altering the way they navigate through life. Children are becoming increasingly isolated from the real world, living in the virtual communities that the internet creates and socializing mostly through technology.

   It’s a known fact that social media use has been increasing the rate of depression and anxiety, and creates unrealistic expectations for viewers. This is even more of an issue for the younger generation. According to Safe Search Kids, “From toddlerhood, kids notice when someone else has something they don’t. The fear of missing out can distract kids from what they have and the path ahead. Everyone is different, but impressionable young minds don’t always see it that way” (safesearchkids.com). Social media creates unrealistic expectations for children and adults but the impact on the developing mind can be detrimental in the future.

   According to a Safes Blog post, “[Social media apps] create a kind of thirst for approval and positive feeling called dopamine seeking-reward loop, which makes users stay in the app for a long time. The endless stream of content further aggravates this situation, leading to prolonged screen time and a continuous search for novelty” (safes.so). The algorithm of apps like TikTok and Instagram keeps feeding users videos catered to their interests in a short-form content style that makes them greatly addictive. Not to mention, every form of social media is adopting this format. YouTube Shorts and Snapchat Spotlight both copy and paste TikTok’s ten second video appeal.

   “​​Too much multimedia multitasking with social networks, games and videos can negatively impact sensorimotor development, executive functioning and academic abilities. Getting into a habit of accessing the devices can prevent them from learning emotional regulation, environmental observation and other vital skills. With constant stimulation, the brain never gets the chance to get creative,” according to Safe Search Kids (safesearchkids.com). Technology has the potential to influence children’s developing brains and problem-solving skills. They may rely on a deviceto solve a problem rather than forming connections in their brain to find a solution. No one ever has to be bored or let their imagination run wild when practically every answer or idea is already on the internet.

   The need for isolation during the initial outbreaks of COVID-19 escalated the use of technology. Children weren’t able to socialize normally and were more reliant on technology to form connections. According to Charles Nechtem Associates, “This can lead to more children being socially awkward, withdrawn, shy, or intimidated by social situations. They might not know how to engage with other children or adults.” This makes the virtual reality of their devices often more appealing and entertaining than the physical reality (cerritos.edu). With so much information at their fingertips and a constant stream of it, what is stopping anyone from being a culprit of “doom scrolling,” particularly those least aware of the effects?

   Living in the digital age comes with many benefits but some drawbacks. Technology is not necessarily a bad thing for children, and has proven to be a very useful tool for learning and communication. However, the early introduction children of Generation Alpha have had to social media could lead to many social and psychological issues in the future.