YOUTH LANGUAGE UNCOVERED: META-SYNTHETIC INSIGHTS INTO GEN Z AND GEN ALPHA SLANG
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Abstract
This study aims to analyze the linguistic behaviors of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, focusing on their use of slang, the influence of digital platforms, and the broader cultural and societal implications of their language practices. A meta-synthetic research design was employed, synthesizing data from 30 academic articles, conference proceedings, and credible publications spanning 2016–2024. Thematic synthesis techniques were applied, including coding, categorization into thematic areas, and meta-synthesis to identify patterns and trends. Quantitative metrics, such as the frequency of slang usage on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, were also analyzed to examine inter-generational differences. The findings reveal that both generations use slang as a cultural marker, with Gen Z favoring socio-political expressions such as "no cap" and "woke," while Gen Alpha leans towards playful, meme-based phrases like "Skibidi" and "pog." Digital platforms significantly shape their linguistic behaviors, with TikTok fostering short-lived trends and Instagram blending slang with visual storytelling. Gen Z exhibits adaptability in integrating slang into formal and informal communication, whereas Gen Alpha faces challenges balancing slang usage with traditional literacy skills. The study also highlights the economic relevance of youth slang, as brands adopt generational language to engage audiences effectively. The study emphasizes the adaptive and expressive nature of youth slang, which serves as both a creative tool and a cultural identifier in the digital era. However, challenges such as maintaining traditional literacy skills and linguistic diversity warrant further attention. It is recommended that educators, policymakers, and marketers leverage these insights to bridge generational communication gaps, design effective learning strategies, and create relatable marketing campaigns. Future research should explore longitudinal studies and cross-cultural comparisons to deepen our understanding of the evolution and impact of youth language.
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How to Cite
Paoleti, V. D., & Mujahidah, N. F. Z. (2025). YOUTH LANGUAGE UNCOVERED: META-SYNTHETIC INSIGHTS INTO GEN Z AND GEN ALPHA SLANG. English Review: Journal of English Education, 13(1), 9-16. https://doi.org/10.25134/erjee.v13i1.11425
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References
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Vardeman, C. (2022). Memes, minds, & marketing: How Generation Z perceives and processes memetic advertisements [Doctoral dissertation, University of Colorado at Boulder].
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Xamid o’g’li, A. H. (2023). Using youth slangs among teenagers in social media. European Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Development, 16, 264–267.
Zhang, L., Zhao, J., & Xu, K. (2016). Who creates trends in online social media: The crowd or opinion leaders? Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 21(1), 1–16.
Ajmal, S. (2024). Charting youth subcultures, identity formation, and niche aesthetics in the age of social media. Journal of English Literature and Cultural Studies, 5(1), 22–29.
Akhirin, O., & Palupi, P. (2022). Social presence in computer-mediated communication between Gen X and Gen Z through WhatsApp. Proceeding ISETH (International Summit on Science, Technology, and Humanity), 592–605.
Ariestya, A., Paramitha, G., & Elmada, M. A. G. (2022). Climate change awareness of Gen Z: The influence of frame and jargon on online news. Jurnal Studi Komunikasi, 6(3), 753–770.
Conny, C., Yultisa, N., Wahyudin, R., & Rezeki, T. I. (2024). Linguistic shift among Gen Z in computer-mediated communication. English Review: Journal of English Education, 12(3), 959–970.
Douglas, S. (2023). Exploring and expanding through 'real-world' tasks: The digital practices of Generation Z post-secondary FSL learners [Doctoral dissertation, Université d'Ottawa].
Fava, D. (2022). Family succession planning: Building relevance and fostering relationships in a new generation. Journal of Financial Planning, 35(4).
Gácsi, M. J. (2023). Changes in communication: The impact of digitalisation on children’s communication and language use. Eruditio-Educatio, 18(1), 16–25.
Henry, C. D., & Shannon, L. (2023). Virtual natives: How a new generation is revolutionizing the future of work, play, and culture. John Wiley & Sons.
Huss, J. A., & Eastep, S. (2024). A tri-state study of middle school teachers’ perceptions of Generation Alpha students: Are middle schools ready for “Generation Glass”? IE: Inquiry in Education, 16(1), 7.
Kaplan, E. B. (2020). The millennial/Gen Z leftists are emerging: Are sociologists ready for them? Sociological Perspectives, 63(3), 408–427.
Koufie, M. G. E., & Kesa, H. (2020). Millennials’ motivation for sharing restaurant dining experiences on social media. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 9(1), 1–25.
Leyts, M. (2024, July 14). Generational shifts Gen Z and Gen Alpha: Key differences between Gen Z vs. Gen Alpha. Retrieved from Generation ZALPHA: https://www.generationzalpha.com/blog/gen-z-gen-alpha.
Liu, S., Wang, Y., & Yu, S. (2017). The effect of different internet slang styles on brand personality and ad persuasion. In Transdisciplinary Engineering: A Paradigm Shift (pp. 197–204). IOS Press.
Lozano-Blasco, R., Mira-Aladrén, M., & Gil-Lamata, M. (2023). Social media influence on young people and children: Analysis on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Comunicar: Media Education Research Journal, 31(74), 117–128.
Martaningrat, N. W. S., & Kurniawan, Y. (2024). The impact of financial influencers, social influencers, and FOMO economy on the decision-making of investment on millennial generation and Gen Z of Indonesia. Journal of Ecohumanism, 3(3), 1319–1335.
Matsumoto, K., Ren, F., Matsuoka, M., Yoshida, M., & Kita, K. (2019). Slang feature extraction by analyzing topic change on social media. CAAI Transactions on Intelligence Technology, 4(1), 64–71.
Mauk, V., Ahmadi, A., & Mintowati, M. (2020). Defense of Indonesian language in the globalization era in Generation Z and Alpha. Proceeding International Joint Conference on Science, Technology, Art, and Humanities (IJCSTAH 2020), 1(1), 92–99.
McArthur, T. (2016, June 17). Exploring languages and cultures. Retrieved from OpenLearn: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/languages/exploring-languages-and-cultures/content-section-3.2.3#:~:text=More%20often%2C%20slang%20serves%20social,to%20include%20and%20exclude%20members.
Moravčíková, E. (2022). The contexts of hyperconsumerist culture and social media platforms. Media Literacy and Academic Research, 5(1), 141–160.
Pandjaitan, R. H. (2024). The social media marketing mix trends in Indonesia for 2024: Communication perspective. Jurnal Komunikasi Ikatan Sarjana Komunikasi Indonesia, 9(1), 251–269.
Petrova, Y. A., & Vasichkina, O. N. (2021). The impact of the development of information technology tools of communication on digital culture and internet slang. SHS Web of Conferences, 101, 01002.
Rachmijati, C., & Cahyati, S. S. (2024, December). Know your Skibidi: Navigating Gen Alpha’s slang types and trend on social media X. International Conference on Research and Development (ICORAD), 3(2), 392–400.
Stahl, C. C., & Literat, I. (2023). #GenZ on TikTok: The collective online self-portrait of the social media generation. Journal of Youth Studies, 26(7), 925–946.
Ugoala, B. (2024). Generation Z’s lingos on TikTok: Analysis of emerging linguistic structures. Journal of Language and Communication, 11(2), 211–224.
Vardeman, C. (2022). Memes, minds, & marketing: How Generation Z perceives and processes memetic advertisements [Doctoral dissertation, University of Colorado at Boulder].
Watanabe, M. K. (2022). The associate editor/multigen at work. Journal of the California Dental Association, 50(11), 643–644.
Xamid o’g’li, A. H. (2023). Using youth slangs among teenagers in social media. European Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Development, 16, 264–267.
Zhang, L., Zhao, J., & Xu, K. (2016). Who creates trends in online social media: The crowd or opinion leaders? Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 21(1), 1–16.