Generation Beta, the cohort born between 2025 and 2039, is poised to grow up in a world unlike any before it. Defined by rapid technological advancements and pressing environmental challenges, this generation will experience Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an integral part of everyday life. Climate change will be the defining issue they must confront, shaping their personal and collective futures. As they come of age, Generation Beta will navigate a landscape marked by profound shifts in family dynamics, technological integration, and environmental consciousness.
The children of Generation Beta will be the first to have AI embedded deeply into their routines and problem-solving methodologies. Unlike previous generations, who adapted to new technologies over time, Generation Beta will inherit a world where AI is ubiquitous. According to Michael Haan, "Generation Beta is going to have AI baked right into their anatomy of how they handle, deal with and solve problems." This technological immersion may redefine how they learn, work, and interact on a daily basis.
Meanwhile, the broader societal context in which Generation Beta will grow up continues to evolve. The recent Generation Alpha spent their formative years amid the COVID-19 pandemic, characterized by face masks and remote work lifestyles. Birth cohorts like these are often shaped by significant historical events. Kate Choi notes, "Because of that experience, they have a similar cultural understanding or they are really influenced by that social event."
For Generation Beta, climate change stands as the paramount challenge. Choi emphasizes, "This is the generation of children who will be disproportionately affected by climate change and extreme weather events." As global temperatures rise and environmental conditions become more volatile, Generation Beta will need to innovate and advocate for sustainable solutions. Haan remains optimistic about their potential to drive change in response to these challenges.
The familial structures of Generation Beta will also differ notably from those of their predecessors. With declining global fertility rates—for instance, Canada's projected rate of 1.26 percent in 2024—smaller families are expected to become the norm. Choi observes that "Older parents tend to be wealthier and more emotionally prepared to raise children," potentially granting Generation Beta socioeconomic advantages. However, these same dynamics may result in earlier responsibilities for caring for aging parents.
Housing and employment aspirations for Generation Beta may shift as well. Economic realities faced by their parents, including delayed entry into the labor market, could influence their life goals. Haan suggests that "I think Beta is probably one of the first generations that has it in their head that they may not be able to own their own dwellings because the price of housing will be so high." As urban areas continue to grow denser, smaller homes may lead to reduced environmental footprints.
In terms of technology, Generation Beta is likely to witness considerable changes in social media usage. As some countries begin implementing legislation to limit minors' access to digital platforms, Choi predicts, "I foresee that Generation Beta individuals will opt for more restrictive usage of social media." The lessons learned from older Millennials and Generation Z regarding online behavior will undoubtedly influence how Generation Beta interacts in digital spaces.
The world Generation Beta inherits is one defined by technology and climate imperatives. Their parents' experiences, shaped by different economic realities than previous generations, will play a crucial role in molding their life paths. According to Choi, "Birth cohorts are also impacted by the environment that surrounds them and the environment that influenced their parents when they grew up."
