Generation Beta, a term proposed by the Australian research firm McCrindle, refers to children born from the beginning of 2025 until the end of 2039. This cohort follows in the footsteps of Generation Alpha, who were born between 2010 and 2024. By the year 2035, Generation Beta is expected to comprise 16% of the global population. This generation is projected to live well into the 22nd century, marking a significant demographic shift.
The naming of Generation Beta continues a tradition seen with previous generations such as Gen X, Y, Z, and Alpha. Though no official commission or group decides on the names and timelines for generations, a consensus gradually emerges through media and popular usage.
"No official commission or group decides what each generation is called and when it starts and ends. Instead, different names and birth year cutoffs are proposed, and through a somewhat haphazard process a consensus slowly develops in the media and popular parlance." – Jean Twenge
As technology continues to develop rapidly, Generation Beta is expected to be deeply influenced by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). A study revealed that a third of children aged 8 to 15 expressed confidence in the information provided by AI tools. Furthermore, about half of these young users believed they had encountered deepfakes during the first half of 2024. Interestingly, children showed more confidence in identifying deepfakes compared to those aged 16 and over.
Misinformation remains a significant concern in the digital landscape, with 39% of internet users aged 13 and older encountering such content. This issue affects Generation Beta's predecessors as well, highlighting the importance of digital literacy for future generations. In the UK, nearly three in ten internet users aged 13 and above reported seeing content that made them feel uncomfortable or upset.
Generation Beta's emergence signals not only a continuation of generational naming conventions but also a new chapter in demographic trends. As this generation grows, they are expected to bring new perspectives and innovations, potentially reshaping global dynamics. With their lives intertwined with advanced technologies from birth, Generation Beta may redefine how society interacts with digital environments.
