HYPERREAL CARTOGRAPHIES OF FRIENDSHIP FROM GEN. A TO GEN. ALPHA

Abstract

This study, Hyperreal Cartographies of Friendship from Gen A to Gen Alpha, examines the evolution of friendship from Generation A to Generation Alpha, focusing on its implications for human relationships and communication. Grounded in Jean Baudrillard's Theory of Hyperreality (1981), the research utilized a historical-comparative design, analyzing archival materials, scholarly articles, and digital records to compare friendship patterns across Generations A, Z, and Alpha. A virtual content analysis of social media interactions, particularly in Generation Alpha, was also included. The findings reveal a shift from physical proximity-based relationships to digital-first, technology-mediated friendships, with varying emotional depth. Based on these insights, the study recommended that parents, educators, and caregivers encourage balanced screen time and promote face-to-face interactions; that tech companies design platforms prioritizing empathy and authenticity; and that communication experts facilitate workshops to foster healthy online behaviours and intergenerational dialogue. The study concluded that just as every translator is a betrayer, so too every form of mediated interaction is potentially deceptive, thus at the heart of true friendship is face-face communication.