Different Generations, Different Characters? Fact or Myth?

Casal dels Infants – The discussion about different characters and traits among generations like millennials, Generation Z, beta, and alpha never ends. Many claim that Generation Alpha is more tech-savvy and easily bored, while Generation Z is more expressive but prone to anxiety. But is it true that these character differences exist from birth?

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Nutrition and Stimulation Matter More Than Generational Labels

Dr. Ian Suryadi Setja, a pediatrician at Tzu Chi Hospital, reveals that differences in children’s personalities and different characters across generations are not something that automatically form. According to him, what really shapes a child’s character is the nutrition and stimulation they receive from the womb and during early development.

“Toddlers from Generations Alpha, Beta, and Z are actually quite similar up close. The difference lies in the nutrition and stimulation they get from their parents,” Ian said during a media discussion in Jakarta on Monday (June 2).

He added that children from lower-middle-income families often exhibit withdrawn behavior and fear of new experiences, including fear of doctors. Insufficient stimulation and suboptimal nutrition cause this condition. Children in urban environments tend to be more active, talkative, and curious. This shows that they have received adequate stimulation from an early age.

Nutritional Crisis: A Hidden Threat in the Technological Era

Today’s generations grow up surrounded by technological advancements and artificial intelligence (AI). However, the main challenge is not just technology but a nutritional crisis. Ian pointed out the decline in food nutrient quality due to environmental factors such as soil degradation and over-harvesting.

“In the past five years, the vitamin content in vegetables like carrots has dropped by as much as 70 percent. The quality of meat has also declined,” he explained. This means that children’s nutritional intake today may not necessarily be better than previous generations, despite more advanced technology.

Balanced Diet and Social Stimulation: Keys to Optimal Growth

To ensure children grow healthy and develop optimally, Ian emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet. “It’s not about focusing on one specific food, but avoiding an excessive amount of just one type, such as only fruits without protein or only carbohydrates,” he clarified.

Nutrients like protein, zinc, and fats are essential for a child’s development. However, without social, emotional, and intellectual stimulation from the environment, their growth can be hindered. Ian stressed that a child’s behavior whether brave, fearful, talkative, or quiet, is not determined by their generational label. Instead, it depends on how parents and the environment shape them.

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