It seems we’ve welcomed a fresh batch of generation. Say hello to Generation Beta, the supposed “new kids in town,” According to Daily Mail, this freshly minted generation is set to begin in 2025, conveniently as Generation Alpha takes a bow. The handover, it seems, is right on schedule, with the timeline carefully carved out by Australian researcher Mark McCrindle, the self-appointed godfather of generational branding.
McCrindle, who is credited with defining the last few generational cohorts, claims Generation Beta will encompass those born from 2025 to 2039. These future citizens will reportedly make up 16% of the global population by 2035. And if all goes according to McCrindle’s futuristic prophecy, many of these Betas will outlive the rest of us, possibly witnessing the dawn of the 22nd century.
According to McCrindle, they’re about to inherit a world where autonomous vehicles will likely drive them to school, wearable health tech will babysit their vitals, and virtual environments will replace playgrounds. “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 was quoted as saying.
For some historical context, generational labels like these became trendy around the mid-20th century. The Baby Boomers were the first to get a catchy name, thanks to the post-World War II population explosion. Since then, researchers like Neil Howe and William Strauss have kept the trend alive, naming groups based on major cultural shifts and historical events. There was also Generation X, popularized by Douglas Coupland’s novel of the same name, which explained the unique struggles of the post-Boomer crowd
So far, we’ve gone through Builders (1925-1945), Boomers (1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1979), Millennials (1980-1994), Generation Z (1995-2009), and Generation Alpha (2010-2024). Now, the torch is being passed to Generation Beta, a group expected to redefine what it means to grow up in a hyper-connected, high-tech era.
Unless you’re from a wealthy family or privileged background, you probably have no clue what generation you belong to. A child hawking water in traffic isn’t thinking, “Am I Generation Z or Beta?” No, they’re thinking about survival. This generational naming trend is largely for those who can afford the luxury of knowing or caring about such things.
Welcome to the world, little Betas. However, you’re stepping into a world that’s far from perfect. Wars, climate crises, and economic challenges are likely to greet you upon arrival.And for the parents welcoming Generation Beta, good luck raising a generation that might just outsmart us all.
