As 2025 kicks off, we’re meeting the next wave of young people—Generation Beta. This new generation, born from 2025 onward to 2039, will be the first to grow up fully immersed in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and a world of constant connectivity.
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So, who are they?
Generation Beta will live in a world where technology is just part of everyday life. AI will help with everything from homework to entertainment, and virtual spaces will be as common as face-to-face interactions.
But what makes them different?
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Before we dive in, let’s take a quick look at where we’ve been:
- Baby Boomers (1946-1964): Born right after WWII, they saw the world grow and change. They witnessed the rise of TV and suburbs, laying the foundation for many of today’s societal shifts.
- Gen X (1965-1980): They are known for being the first to grow up with both parents working and seeing the internet and mobile phones emerge.
- Millennials (1981-1996): They were the first digital natives, growing up with the Internet and social media. They’re known for being adaptable and socially aware.
- Gen Z (1997-2012): The social media generation, these kids grew up in a fully connected world. They’re diverse, vocal, and all about activism. “They are also digital natives who have little or no memory of the world as it existed before smartphones” Pew Researchers said.
- Gen Alpha (2013-2025): The first true digital natives, Gen Alpha is growing up immersed in AI, automation, and cutting-edge technology. They’re highly visual, innovative, and shaped by personalized learning, global awareness, and interactive tech experiences.
You’re probably wondering what’s the true difference between Generation Alpha and Generation Beta, since both generations don’t know a world without technology. Demographer and futurist Mark McCrindle put it best.
“For Generation Beta, the digital and physical worlds will be seamless,” McCrindle wrote in a blog post. “While Generation Alpha has experienced the rise of smart technology and artificial intelligence, Generation Beta will live in an era where AI and automation are fully embedded in everyday life—from education and workplaces to healthcare and entertainment.”
Betas will never know a world without AI. Smart homes, virtual assistants, and everything connected—it’s all in their DNA. Pew researchers predict that their whole lives will be shaped by tech, from the way they learn to how they socialize.
What will they be like?
They’ll probably work in fields we can’t even imagine yet. Traditional schools might be a thing of the past as education becomes more flexible.
“We predict Generation Beta will embody the balance between hyper-connectivity and personal expression,” McCrindle explained. “They’ll redefine what it means to belong, blending in-person relationships with global digital communities.
In a nutshell:
Generation Beta is going to grow up in a world of endless possibilities and challenges. As technology continues to evolve, so will they—shaping the future we can only begin to envision.
