Generation Beta

Generation Beta (often shortened to Gen Beta) is the proposed name for the demographic cohort succeeding Generation Alpha. The name was coined by futurist and demographer Mark McCrindle (who also coined the name Generation Alpha). He defines the cohort as those born from 2025 to 2039.^[1] Researchers have not yet formed a general consensus as to the generation's birth years; since no official body determines generational boundaries, definitions may vary (see § Date range definitions).

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

Name

The proposed term "Generation Beta" comes from the Greek letter beta, to follow Generation Alpha being named for the Greek letter alpha. Futurist and demographer Mark McCrindle coined both names.^[1] The term "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]

Date range definitions

Researchers have not yet identified a date range for the generation, but Mark McCrindle uses 2025 as the starting birth year and 2039 as the ending birth year.^[1]

There is general disagreement over the ending year for Generation Alpha, the preceding generation. Some sources have followed McCrindle's definition, putting the end year at 2024.^[3][4] Others have put the end year at 2021 (with the next generation beginning in 2022)^[5][6] or 2025 (with the next generation beginning in 2026).^[7][8] Other sources, while they have not specified a range for Generation Alpha, have specified end years for Generation Z of 2010,^[7] 2012,^[9][10][11] or 2013,^[12] which suggest a later date range for Generation Alpha than McCrindle's definition of 2010–2024 and thus a later start date for Generation Beta.

Since no official body determines generational boundaries, the starting year of this generation may be subject to revision in the future. Many generations typically span approximately 15 years and are shaped by major societal shifts.^[13]

Speculations

Demographics

Generation Beta will be impacted by declining birth rates, and, according to McCrindle, Generation Beta will likely make up around 16% of the world's population in 2035.^[14] McCrindle predicts Generation Beta to reach 2.1 billion people, surpassing Generation Alpha's 2 billion.^[15] McCrindle has suggested that Generation Beta will have a stronger appreciation for diversity than previous generations.^[14] Many members of Generation Beta will likely live to see the 22nd century.

Technology

According to McCrindle, members of Generation Beta will likely not only adapt to technologies but will immerse themselves in them from the outset more than any previous generation.^[8] He also stated that Generation Beta will likely follow Generation Alpha in their use of slang phrases.^[8] 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.^[8] McCrindle has also said that Generation Beta will be characterised by significant technological integration, and experts have predicted that Generation Beta children will grow up immersed and integrated with artificial intelligence.^[14] According to experts, 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.^[15][16] Attention spans are also expected to continue decreasing in Generation Beta children.^[17]

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.^[14][8]