Representative image showing a new born baby.
Credit: iStock Photo
As the world ushered in the new year, a new generation, "generation Beta" came into existence. Starting January 1, the newest generation will comprise of children born between 2025 and 2039, following Generation alpha (2010-2024), Generation Z (1996-2010), and millennials (1981-1996).
Most members of this generation are expected to live well into the 22nd century. This generation will experience a world shaped by artificial intelligence, groundbreaking technological innovation, climate crises and significant social changes.
According to social researcher and demographer Mark McCrindle, Generation Beta will make up 16 per cent of the global population by 2035.
McCrindle believes that the names “Alpha” and “Beta”, inspired by the Greek letters, represent the beginning of an “entirely different world.”
In contrast to the previous generation, Gen Alpha who witnessed the rise of technology and AI, Gen Beta will live in a world where technology and AI are enmeshed into everyday life, from education to health care.
Autonomous vehicles, wearable healthcare health tech and immersive virtual environments are expected to be part of their everyday lives, according to a report by Times of India.
Raised by Millennial and older Gen Z parents who will prioritise adaptability, eco-consciousness and equality, Gen Beta will be expected to be globally aware and community oriented. "Generation Beta will be shaped by parents who, in a lot of ways, lived through economic and social challenge," McCrindle said. "And that creates a resilience, a grit, an ability to respond to uncertain times but a conservative outlook — a desire to save, a desire to reuse, a focus on not just growth and ever more accumulation."
However the generational will have to face a number of challenges, such as climate change, rapid urbanisation and shifting population dynamics.
“With climate change, global population shifts, and rapid urbanisation at the forefront, sustainability will not just be a preference but an expectation,” McCrindle said.
He went on to say, “Understanding their needs, values, and preferences will be critical as we anticipate how they will shape the future of society."
Their worldview will be shaped by environmental concerns. Sustainability will be a way of life rather than an expectation.