Generation Beta

Generation Beta (often shortened to Gen Beta) is the proposed name for the demographic cohort succeeding Generation Alpha. Futurist and demographer Mark McCrindle (who also coined the name Generation Alpha) defines the cohort as those born from 2025 to 2039.^[1]

Generation Beta is named after the second letter of the Greek alphabet. According to McCrindle, its members are primarily the children of young Millennials and Generation Z.^[1]

Speculations

Connotations of name

The word "Beta" has been used as an insult meaning someone who is weak or passive, leading some to suggest that a different name may be chosen for the generation.^[2]

Demographics

Generation Beta comes at a time of declining birth rates, and Generation Beta will likely make up around 16% of the world's population in 2035.^[3] Generation Beta is predicted to reach 2.1 billion people, surpassing Generation Alpha's 2 billion.^[4] McCrindle has suggested that Generation Beta will have a stronger appreciation for diversity than previous generations.^[3] Many members of Generation Beta will likely live to see the 22nd century.

Technology

Unlike their predecessors, they will likely not only adapt to technologies but will immerse themselves in them from the outset more than any previous generation.^[5] Generation Beta will likely follow Generation Alpha in their use of Generation Alpha slang phrases.^[5] Due to the large amount of technology that Generation Beta will grow up in, experts suggest that Generation Z parents may prefer to shield their children from constant internet exposure.^[5] McCrindle has also said that the generation will be characterised by significant technological integration, and experts have predicted that Generation Beta children will grow up immersed and integrated with artificial intelligence.^[3] Mis- and disinformation are likely to grow during Generation Beta's time due to growing political polarization and growing indistinguishability between real and AI-generated material.^[4][6] Attention spans are also expected to continue decreasing in Generation Beta.^[7]

Global issues

McCrindle has predicted that, due to having parents that care more about global issues, including climate change, Generation Beta will be more focused on these issues.^[3][5]