Make way, Generation Beta is here!

Born between 2025 and 2039, these kids will live in a world dominated by AI, virtual reality and other technological advancements

Hyderabad: As every New Year marks new beginnings and transformations, this year too has something new to offer, to be precise, a new term. It’s Generation Beta. As the clock struck 12, the world bid adieu to 2024 and also to Gen Alpha, and welcomed Gen Beta.

So who are these Gen Beta? Kids of Gen Z, those born between 2025 and 2039 will be known as Gen Beta. The children born in this year will be the first ones to join the cohort and are expected to account for 13% to 16% of the world population.

These kids will live in a world dominated by artificial intelligence, and virtual reality and will be witness to many technological advancements. But on the flip side, experts fear this generation might lack creativity and interpersonal skills. The issue of climate change will be a big deal for them. They will work more towards sustainability, experts predict.

Who classifies the generations

Every generation has its own traits, struggles, experiences and development. Usually, generations are classified based on social trends over a period of time. But who classifies them, and how do they get the title? Let’s delve into the origins of the ‘previous’ generations

Lost Generation (1883-1900)

Naming a generation started in the early 1900s. The first generation to be named was the Lost Generation. American writer Gertrude Stein coined the term for people born during the World War I era.

Greatest Generation (1901-1924)
Born during the Great Depression era, they might have also lived World War II.

Silent Generation (1925-1945)
This generation spent their lives in post-war crisis and was known for staying silent and accepting the government without any opinions.

Baby Boomers (1946–1964)
The previous generations were all about wars, governments and nuclear weapons. But baby boomers started to think about the country’s growth and personal development. In India, this generation has seen many revolutions. The post-independence spirit has allowed the youth to bring in many transformations to lift up the country. Value for education, jobs, money started from this generation. They were the building blocks of the new India.

Generation X (1965–1980)
With the availability of satellite TVs, Doordarshan and Bollywood movies, this generation has also witnessed the nation drift towards a better economic stability. With stress on education, Gen X started working for a better life with adequate job opportunities. Many of them gained confidence with their skills and migrated to other countries as well.

Generation Y or Millennials (1981–1996)
This generation grew around computer systems, newly introduced internet and cable TVs. With privatisation and liberalisation, this cohort has brought the startup culture to India. Most of the IT companies which have crores of turnovers today are set up by the Millennials. They are a mix of both traditional and also modern.

Generation Z (1997–2012)
Here come the netizens, digital freaks and coding ninjas. Gen Z kids have experienced many technological developments like laptops, Wi-Fi, smartphones and social media. With plenty of resources and opportunities around them, this generation lives a fast-paced life, virtually.

Generation Alpha (2013-2024)
While some are still in diapers, the teenagers of this period have only turned ‘smarter’ with IPads, MacBooks, smartwatches. With the introduction of artificial intelligence and many other new-age technologies, the world is on their fingers. They are much more creative with the technological stuff.