The year 2025 will mark the start of a new era as Generation Beta is set to emerge, following the end of Generation Alpha.
As we step into the new year, we are not only bidding farewell to one generation but also ushering in a new one — one that is expected to be profoundly shaped by technology, climate change, and evolving social norms.
Generation Beta, according to demographer Mark McCrindle, will consist of those born between 2025 and 2039.
By 2035, McCrindle predicts that they will make up approximately 16 per cent of the global population.
This generation is expected to live longer, with many reaching the 22nd century.
McCrindle, who has been instrumental in defining the previous generational labels, claims that Generation Beta will be deeply integrated with technology.
“Gen Beta will likely be the first generation to experience autonomous transportation at scale, wearable health technologies, and immersive virtual environments as standard aspects of daily life,” McCrindle said.
Following the trajectory of previous generations, technology has been a key factor in shaping the experiences and characteristics of each group.
The Greatest Generation (1900-1924) grew up during the Great Depression and fought in World War II, while the Silent Generation (1925-1945) experienced the post-war era.
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) witnessed significant social change and the rise of television. Generation X (1965-1979) adapted to the digital revolution, while Millennials (1980-1994) embraced the internet and social media.
Generation Z (1995-2012) grew up in an increasingly connected world, and Generation Alpha (2013-2024), has spent their formative years surrounded by technology.
Gen Alpha was, however, significantly influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw many of them learning online.
Now, they are also witnessing the integration of artificial intelligence into classrooms.
For Generation Beta, the technological landscape is expected to be even more advanced, with greater immersion in AI, virtual environments, and autonomous systems.
Jason Dorsey, another generational researcher and author, suggests that Generation Beta will be more reliant on technology than any generation before.
“Gen Beta will likely depend on technology to help them solve problems,” Dorsey said in an interview with NBC News.
“They’ll be even more enveloped in it than previous generations — including Gen Alpha, who are already known as ‘iPad kids.’”
In addition to the technological advancements that will define their lives, Generation Beta will also face significant challenges such as climate change.
Dorsey notes that this generation is likely to view climate change as an urgent issue that directly impacts their daily lives, with Millennials and Gen Z leading the charge in addressing these problems.
However, while generational labels can offer interesting insights into broad trends, they are not without their limitations.
The Pew Research Center recently announced it would discontinue the use of generational labels in its research, citing an overabundance of content marketed as research but often driven by clickbait or myths.
The centre explained that generational labels will only be used when historical data allows for meaningful comparisons of generations at similar stages of life.
“Generational labels are helpful as long as you understand their limitations,” Dorsey added.
“We think they’re really helpful to get a head start, to create more of a shared understanding… We’re all still individuals.”