Generation Beta or “Beta Babies” will never know a world without artificial intelligence.
Artificial intelligence has been transforming our lives more and more with each passing year. Take 2024 for example, when Germany introduced its AI tourism ambassador, Emma, and when the United Kingdom’s robot painter, Ai-Da, sold her artwork for a million dollars. 2024 also saw the rise of AI relationships among Filipino youth.
These technological advancements are changing the planet and our personal lives. And Generation Beta, the generation that succeeds Gen Alpha, is the ultimate expression of that change and all else yet to come.
Nicknamed “Beta Babies,” this generation will grow up with AI, virtual reality, and constant connectivity as part of their everyday lives. They will never know a world without AI, and researchers predict that their whole lives will be shaped by tech—from education and workplaces to healthcare and entertainment.
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Key traits of Generation Beta
Generation Beta is defined by social researcher and futurist Mark McCrindle as individuals born from Jan. 1, 2025 through the year 2039. They are likely to be the children of younger millennials (1981 to 1996) and Gen Zs (1997 to 2012).
Gen Beta follows Gen Alpha—whose members were born between 2010 and 2024—and are predicted to witness the dawn of the 22nd century. It takes its name from the Greek alphabet, following Gen Alpha, and marks the beginning of a new generational era. McCrindle said that Gen Alpha and Beta are the first generations “shaped by an entirely different world”— one that is fully integrated with technology.
For Beta Babies, the digital and physical worlds are fully intertwined in every aspect of their lives. AI will help with everything, from homework to entertainment, and virtual spaces will be as common as face-to-face interactions.
With the continuous rise of technology, the world of Gen Beta is one filled with endless possibilities. “They 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,” the demographer predicted.
The generation’s formative years will see the value of AI in personalizing their experiences, from learning to shopping and social interactions. Technology will likewise teach Gen Beta to build a “balance between hyper-connectivity and personal expression. They’ll redefine what it means to belong, blending in-person relationships with global digital communities.”
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And while both Gen Alpha and Beta don’t know a world without technology, what makes each one different is from how much AI is infused into their daily lives. Members of Gen Alpha became familiar with smart technology and the early development of AI. While they are growing up in front of the screen, a study by media company Razorfish states that 75% of Alphas are still taking time away from tech to safeguard their mental well-being. Betas, on the other hand, will experience more advanced artificial intelligence and automation in every aspect of their everyday life—from doing their homework to socializing—more so than any previous generation.
Challenges for Gen Beta
The constant rise of technology worldwide may have its benefits, but it can also have some drawbacks involving the incoming generation Beta. Social connection will look different for Beta Babies, according to McCrindle. “Born into a world of always-on technology, they will navigate friendships, education, and careers in an era where digital interaction is the default,” the research firm stated.
This is where guidance from parents plays a crucial role. According to the research firm, it is security and wisdom from parents that will help the incoming generation develop a “strong sense of individuality” both in online and offline environments. Gen Z parents, they said, are also likely to take a better approach with their future Gen Beta children, as compared to millennial parents who integrate technology into their Alpha kids’ lives.
“Generation Z know more about both the positives and challenges that come with social media use from a young age,” McCrindle wrote. “As the most technologically savvy generation of parents, Gen Z see the benefits of technology and screen time, but equally see the downsides of it and are pushing back on technology and the age at which their children access and engage with it.”
Apart from the potential negative effects of technology, Gen Beta are predicted to inherit “complex societal challenges,” including climate change, rapid urbanization, and major demographic shift such as declining birth rates. However, this will prompt Beta Babies to develop ways that will prioritize adaptability, collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in the world they live in.
Gen Beta is likely to be followed by Generation Gamma and Generation Delta, which are born from 2040 to 2054 and 2055 to 2069 respectively.
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