Welcome, Gen Beta: Babies born from tomorrow are part of a new generation
As we ring in the new year at midnight, we are also ringing in a whole new generation.
Every baby born into the world since 2010 – which, if you can believe it, was 15 years ago now (wild) – are a part of Generation Alpha.
But the very last members of Generation Alpha have only a few hours left to make the cut because as of tomorrow, there's a new kid in town.
Any baby that is born from 12am tomorrow morning will be part of Generation Beta.
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Any babies born from tomorrow will be a part of Generation Beta. Getty
The new generation, which is defined by the second letter of the Greek alphabet, will be made up of those born between the year 2025 and the year 2039.
This generation, according to McCrindle will make up 16 per cent of the global population by 2035 and will be the children of younger millennials and older Gen Zs.
Many of this new generation will also live to see the clock tick over to the year 2100 in 75 years’ time.
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Many of Generation Beta will live to see the 22nd century. Getty
Social researcher Mark McCrindle coined the term for the two most recent generations Generation Alpha and the incoming Generation Beta.
McCrindle's social research company McCrindle explained that the naming decision came about to signify the vastly different world these children are born into than that of other generations.
"Generation Beta follows Generation Alpha (born 2010-2024). We named them Alpha and Beta to signify not just new generations, but the first generations that will be shaped by an entirely different world," the company writes.
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Generation Alpha and Beta are the first to be shaped by an entirely different world. Getty
"That is why we moved to the Greek alphabet, to signify how these different generations will be raised in a new world of technological integration.
"At McCrindle, we know that generational transitions are more than just chronological—they are defined by the events, technologies, and cultural shifts of their time. Generation Beta represents a pivotal chapter in our evolving world."
Every generation we know can be defined by it's characteristics. The Baby Boomers generation is significantly different to Gen Y. And while Millennials and Gen Z grew up with technology, even their traits are vastly different. Generation Beta will be the same.
Here are the factors McCrindle expects to shape Generation Beta:
A tech-saturated world
Unlike those born in the '90s, McCrindle expects "the digital and physical worlds will be seamless" as Generation Beta grow up.
They "will live in an era where AI and automation are fully embedded in everyday life - from education and workplaces to healthcare and entertainment".
McCrindle also expects technology to play a big role in the parenting of Generation Beta but believes the younger generations of parents have a better understanding on the importance of balanced technology and social media use with kids.
A changing society
On top of technological advancements, McCrindle observes that Generation Beta will be raised in an ever-changing society with "climate change, global population shifts, and rapid urbanisation at the forefront".
As a result, McCrindle expects Generation Beta to be more "globally minded, community-focused, and collaborative than ever before".
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McCrindle believes the new generation will be more "globally minded". Getty
Unique digital identities
And while, Generation Beta will "navigate friendships, education and careers in an era where digital interaction is the default", McCrindle observes that curating their own digital identities (safely and wisely) will be a priority for the new generation. So will fostering a "strong sense of individuality - both in online and offline environments".
McCrindle says, "Generation Beta represents the dawn of a new era" and will play a big role in shaping the future of society.
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