Kashif Kaifee
Indubitably, technology has transformed human life in unprecedented ways. Among its most profound impacts has been the reshaping of younger generations.
The lifestyle and behavioral patterns of Generation Z and Generation Alpha are strikingly complex, shaped by a hyper-connected world. Before diving into the intricacies of their lived experiences, let us first define who these generations are.
Who Are Gen-Z and Gen Alpha?
Generation Z, also known as Gen-Z or \”Zoomers,\” refers to individuals born between 1997 and 2012. Following them is Generation Alpha, born between 2010 and 2024. The term “Gen Alpha” was first coined by Australian demographer Mark McCrindle. A generation following 2024 is anticipated to be named Generation Beta. However, our focus here will remain on Gen-Z and Gen Alpha.
These generations display several defining social characteristics:
Highly Tech-Savvy: Born into a digital world, these generations are seamlessly integrated with technology from an early age.
Practical Approach: They tend to be financially pragmatic, often prioritizing stability and sustainability over extravagance.
Collective Consciousness: Gen-Z and Alpha show deep concern for global issues such as climate change, social justice, and democracy.
Expressive Individualism: They place high importance on personal identity and self-expression, often seeking to define themselves uniquely.
Psychological Well-being: Mental health is a top priority. These generations are more open about psychological challenges and actively seek balance and wellness.
Excessively Dynamic: Adaptability and an affinity for change are inherent; they thrive in diverse and evolving social environments.
From communication styles to social behavior, these generations differ significantly from Millennials. Their complexity can be seen clearly in recent media, particularly in the Netflix series Adolescence, which drew national attention in the UK.
A Cultural Mirror: The Case of Adolescence
The UK Prime Minister\’s Office announced plans to screen Adolescence in schools across the country. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Keir Starmer’s office stated: “It was difficult watching the drama with his 14-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son, but showing the drama widely in schools will help students better understand the imprint of misogyny, the dangers of online radicalization, and the importance of healthy relationships.”
The series follows the tragic story of Jamie Miller, who persistently trolls a girl named Katie. After a series of confrontations—where Katie mockingly calls Jamie an “Incel”—he is ultimately arrested and charged with her murder.
While the series explores many challenges facing Gen-Z, its primary focus is on the disturbing rise of Incel culture, a dark undercurrent in online youth communities.
What Is Incel Culture?
“Incel” is short for “involuntarily celibate.” It refers to a loosely connected online community of young men who feel rejected by women and excluded from sexual and romantic relationships. This frustration often manifests in hostility—towards both women and men perceived as more successful in romantic pursuits.
Platforms like Reddit have banned Incel communities due to the misogynistic and harmful content they often share. One such banned group had over 4,000 members who expressed open resentment toward women.
In the series, the 80/20 Rule, or Pareto Principle, is mentioned—an economic idea that 80% of outcomes result from 20% of causes. Incels misapply this theory to argue that 80% of women are only interested in 20% of men, thus justifying their perceived rejection.
In 2022, psychologists began studying this culture more closely. Key beliefs identified within Incel communities include:
Appearance-Based Hierarchy: The idea that physical attractiveness determines one\’s success in life and relationships.
Romantic Superficiality: A belief that good looks alone are sufficient for romantic success.
Female Hypergamy: The belief that women are naturally inclined to \”date up,\” making them highly selective.
Feminine Privilege: The assumption that women leverage their appearance for social or economic gain.
Hatred for Feminism: A rejection of women’s autonomy and freedom of choice.
Members of these groups often use a coded and insular language, making it difficult for outsiders to understand or intervene.
Conclusion: deconstructing the digital mind
We are at a cultural and psychological crossroads. The digital world, while offering immense opportunities, also presents dangerous echo chambers that can radicalize youth. Gen-Z and Gen Alpha are not inherently flawed—but they are navigating an environment vastly different from any previous generation.
Understanding their challenges, from expressive individualism to the toxic rise of incel ideology, requires empathy, awareness, and proactive education. Deconstructing their world is not an indictment, but a necessary step toward helping them reclaim agency, compassion, and critical thinking in an age of confusion and overload.
(Writer is MPhil, English literature, former visiting faculty, UOP & UOCH).