Babies born in the new year, and for the 14 years following, will make up the newest generation: Generation Beta. Its members will explore new digital landscapes, many of which we likely can't fathom now, and see the next century.
Members of Gen Beta, for short, will be the children of younger millennials and older Gen Zers and by 2035, they are estimated to make up at least 16% of the global population, according to McCrindle, an Australian social researcher led by generational analyst Mark McCrindle.
Additionally, many Gen Beta members will likely live into the 22nd century. Babies born in 2025 will be 76 years old when the year 2101 comes around.
Generation Beta follows Generation Alpha, in line with the Greek alphabet.
McCrindle predicts that digital and physical life will be seamless for Gen Beta. While members of Gen Alpha have become acquainted with smart technology and artificial intelligence, Gen Beta will experience AI and automation in every aspect of life, from school to work to health care and entertainment, McCrindle says.
As technology continues to rapidly advance, Gen Z parents are likely to be more cautious with how their children interact with the digital world. According to McCrindle, 36% of Gen Z parents, compared to 30% of millennial parents, strongly agree that children's screen time should be limited.
Technology aside, Gen Beta will be asked to manage life through climate change, global population shifts and rapid urbanization, McCrindle states. But members of this generation will also be raised by eco-conscious millennial and Gen Z parents who prioritize adaptability.
According to Pew Research Center, 71% of millennials and 67% of members of Gen Z believe climate change should be the top priority to ensure a sustainable planet for the future.
The start and end of a new generation is sometimes vague, but these generation group names are often used for individuals born between the following years:
It naming conventions continue following the current trend, it is likely that the next generational group, after Gen Beta, will be Generation Gamma, according to McCrindle. This generation will likely represent those born between 2040 and 2054.
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