As the clock struck midnight on January 1st, 2025, the world didn’t just welcome a new year; it ushered in the dawn of a new era with the birth of Generation Beta. This generation, born between 2025 and 2039, is set to be the seventh concurrent generation alive today, and they’re poised to make a significant impact on the world as we know it.
So, who exactly is Generation Beta, and why should they matter to you?
Generation Beta is expected to account for 16% of the global population, and many of them will likely live to see the 22nd century. This is a generation that will be born into a world where technology is not just a tool but an integral part of everyday life. Unlike Generation Z, who saw the transition from analogue to digital, Generation Beta will be native to a world where artificial intelligence is the norm, and their technological fluency will be unprecedented.
But it’s not just technology that will shape Generation Beta. They will also inherit the profound impacts of climate change. Experts like Lucas Walsh, director of the Monash Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice, express concern that the world may not do enough to mitigate global warming, leaving Generation Beta to face the consequences. This environmental legacy will undoubtedly influence their values, priorities, and actions.
Moreover, Generation Beta is coming of age in a time of increasing individualism and fragmentation of ideologies. The sense of community and collective action that once guided decision-making is waning, giving way to a focus on the individual. This shift is reflected in the rise of identity politics and a growing distrust in institutions, which has been illuminated by the attitudes of today’s youth.
This skepticism towards institutions stems from a realisation that the economic and social structures established by previous generations may not serve their interests. Young people are questioning the rules of the game, which traditionally promised that education and hard work would lead to job security, home ownership, and the ability to start a family.
Dan Woodman, a professor of sociology at the University of Melbourne, points out that the implications of this widespread distrust are still unknown. Generation Beta is being born into a world where even the concept of democracy is under scrutiny. How they will navigate and shape such a world remains to be seen.
It’s important to note that while it may seem that generations are changing at a rapid pace, the trends we’re observing are part of a longer-term movement towards individualisation that began in the late 20th century. The differences between generations may simply be a continuation of this broader trend.
As we consider the future of Generation Beta, it’s crucial to approach generational labels with caution. These labels often emerge retrospectively, and the sheer amount of change that can occur over a generation makes predictions challenging.
How do you think the world will evolve for Generation Beta? What are your thoughts on the opportunities and challenges they may face? Share your perspectives in the comments below, and let’s explore this new chapter together.
Also read: Advice for those who are part of the ‘sandwich’ generation
