Understanding Why Generation Alpha Cannot Let Go of Social Media

The deep interest of Generation Alpha in social media is not merely a technological phenomenon but is closely linked to their psychological development needs. Clinical Adult Psychologist graduate from the University of Indonesia, Teresa Indira, explains that Generation Alpha (born 2010–2025) is the first generation exposed to a digital environment from birth. Entering 2026, the early members of this generation will be in the pre-teen to early teen phase. Referring to Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development theory, Teresa, familiarly called Tesya, states that adolescents are in the Identity versus Role Confusion stage. “Adolescents are asking, who am I, which group do I fit into, and how do others see me,” said Tesya. Social media provides a relevant space for these needs. Through photos, videos, or opinions, adolescents can express themselves while receiving instant responses from their social environment. “On social media, they can gain recognition through likes, comments, and followers. That gives a sense of acceptance and recognition,” she said. In addition to psychological factors, biological aspects also influence this attachment. Tesya explains that notifications and interactions on social media trigger the release of dopamine in the brain, which creates a feeling of pleasure, thus generating a desire to repeat the behaviour continuously. The combination of identity needs, social connections, and biological responses is what makes social media highly relevant to the lives of today’s adolescents. “So, the interest in social media is not just about technology. The platform aligns with adolescents’ developmental needs for identity exploration and building social connections,” she concluded. Teresa emphasises the importance for parents to understand these developmental aspects. With proper understanding, parents are expected to act more proportionately in accompanying their children during the process of self-discovery in the digital era.