As artificial intelligence increasingly shapes our understanding of generational identities, attention turns to the next emerging cohort: Generation Beta.
Children born between 2025 and 2039 will belong to this new group known as Generation Beta, with the first representatives born in 2025, according to social researcher and futurist Mark McCrindle, reported Gazeta.ru. McCrindle, who coined the term Generation Alpha for those born from 2010 to 2024, defined Generation Beta as the generation that will grow up in an era of unprecedented technological integration.
"Generation Beta will live in an era when artificial intelligence and automation are fully integrated into everyday life—from education and jobs to healthcare and entertainment," said McCrindle, according to RBC. By 2035, Generation Beta will make up 16% of the Earth's population and will inhabit a world powered by artificial intelligence.
Following Generation Alpha, Generation Beta represents the next wave in the generational timeline. Prior to Generation Alpha came Generation Z--those born from 1997 to 2010 and also known as Zoomers. Before that, the Millennials, or Generation Y, were born from 1981 to 1996. Generation X includes people born from 1965 to 1980.
Due to challenges such as climate change, population migration, and rapid urbanization, Generation Beta is expected to be more globally minded, community-oriented, and more inclined to collaborate than ever before. "Given climate change, global population migration, and rapid urbanization, sustainable development will become not just a preference, but an expectation," McCrindle stated.
"They will grow up in a world shaped by technological breakthroughs, changing social norms, and a growing focus on sustainability and citizenship. Understanding their needs, values, and preferences will be crucial as we anticipate how they will shape the future of society," said McCrindle.McCrindle believes that children born after 2025 may become the first generation to regularly use driverless transportation and augmented reality devices.
The parents of Generation Beta, predominantly members of Generation Z, may have a different approach to technology and social media than previous generations. "While many Millennial parents used social media to document their children's lives, Generation Z knows more about both the positive moments and the challenges that arise from using social media from a young age," McCrindle said. He predicts that Generation Z parents are more likely to prioritize limiting their children's screen time.
This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq