"Sixth grade today looks a lot like sixth grade in 1999: low-rise jeans are back, sugary beverages are de rigueur, and there's nothing more interesting than messaging your friends."
"At the core of it all is the great, consuming experiment of identity formation. But Gen Alpha has unique contemporary concerns, too: global warming, skin care, warfare, A.I., TikTok, and petitioning for a first smartphone."
Mira, a sixth grader in 2026, embodies the upbeat and inquisitive nature of today's tweens. While some aspects of sixth grade remain unchanged, such as fashion and social interactions, contemporary concerns have emerged. Gen Alpha faces issues like global warming, skin care, and the impact of technology, including A.I. and social media platforms like TikTok. The process of identity formation continues to be central to their experiences, reflecting both timeless adolescent themes and modern challenges.
Read at The New Yorker
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